Fountain of Youth Day Spot Plays

Get tied on, because the action will come fast and often Saturday at Gulfstream Park as they host a marathon 14-race card for Fountain of Youth Day. Here are several horses of interest on the program:

Race 6 -- N2X Allowance

Trainer Michael Matz got #2 JUST WHISTLE (6-1) to win here around this time last year following a layoff dating back to the previous June, and will try to work some magic again as the Pioneerof the Nile horse enters off a spell dating to July 6. Endured a rough journey to finish only three lengths behind the winner in the Pimlico Special (G3) two back, and still appears he could plateau as a capable minor stakes-quality runner this year if things go his way, starting in this winnable spot.

Race 9 -- Herecomesthebride (G3)

She owns one of the higher Brisnet speed figures (88) earned on the grass by anyone in the field, but the debut sprint performance by #2 VERUCA (15-1) sure to be glossed over by most. That was a decent try at Keeneland against recent Suncoast S. romper Lucrezia, and she followed up with gutsy maiden win in the slop. However, she disappointed in a main-track stakes at Tampa most recently. Hasn't routed yet, but pedigree suggests it shouldn't be an issue and noteworthy that dam is a half to G2 turfer Mr. Commons. Upset potential.

Race 10 -- Davona Dale (G2)

This race goes through the likes of Spice Is Nice, Tonalist's Shape, maybe Bayerness. #5 RELUCTANT BRIDE (15-1) perhaps more of a fringe exotics player, but still worth a look at a price as she shares a profile with stablemate Ete Indien (more about him below) having started career on turf and now tries the dirt. Cutback to one turn sure to work in her favor, and she's by Speightstown and out of multiple G1 dirt sprinter Sassy Image, so the surface switch sure to agree. Figures aren't there quite yet, which is the main drawback, but horses can make quick advancement at this point in their careers.

Race 14 -- Fountain of Youth (G2)

Like much of the other speed in the race, #11 ETE INDIEN (8-1) drew poorly. However, it may prove a blessing in disguise as he might then be able to avoid an early pace battle. Easily second best in the Holy Bull (G3) behind top Derby prospect Tiz the Law, and recent works suggest another strong performance could be in the offing.