Fountain of Youth Stakes Picks —Betting Preview and Predictions (Feb 28)

One of the most important preps on the Road to the Kentucky Derby is set for this weekend, as the G2 Fountain of Youth Stakes is set for Gulfstream Park. Last year, Sovereignty won this race on his way to landing Triple Crown success at Churchill Downs. Find the odds and our picks for the 2026 race here.

Odds

Fountain of Youth Stakes Recent Winners

Fountain of Youth Stakes: Event Information

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Race Preview

The Fountain of Youth Stakes has a rich history of producing Triple Crown contenders, with Sovereignty following in the footsteps of Kentucky Derby winners such as Tim Tam, Spectacular Bid and Thunder Gulch in 2025.

Commandment will be a leading selection for trainer Brad Cox. The three-year-old was excellent when landing the Mucho Macho Man Stakes last time, and this step up in distance should suit the son of Into Mischief. Progressive, and could enter Derby chatter with a win.

Bravaro has already shown his ability on the Road to the Kentucky Derby this year, taking second in the G3 Holy Bull Stakes last time. Figures should ensure that he is competitive this weekend, and the booking of Tyler Gaffalione is a positive.

Jackson Hole was an expensive $1.3 million purchase, and the son of Nyquist has done little wrong on track to this point. Steps into graded company for the first time this weekend, and the combination of Todd Pletcher and John Velazquez should be respected.

Solitude Dude is one of the horses still sporting an unbeaten record under rules. The three-year-old set a rapid 104 Brisnet figure when winning the Swale Stakes last time. Clearly boasts potential, but this test will require more.

Fountain of Youth Stakes Picks

This is potentially the most informative Kentucky Derby prep to date. However, I’m most excited about Napoleon Solo for trainer Chad Summers.

The three-year-old was dominant on two starts as a juvenile in 2025, including a brilliant success in the G1 Champagne. He’s been training well, and a dominant success on Saturday could see him emerge as a leading player for Derby glory in 2026.