Fountain of Youth Among Possibilities for Structor

As Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Presented by Coolmore America (G1T) winner Structor takes his first few steps toward his 3-year-old debut, the possibility remains that there could be dirt and roses in his future.

The undefeated Palace Malice  colt, owned by Jeff Drown and Don Rachel, breezed four furlongs in :48.90 on dirt at Palm Meadows Training Center Feb. 3. Afterward, trainer Chad Brown said the trail to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) and the Feb. 29 Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park could be in play for Structor if the turf star continues to shine in his dirt works.

"He's coming along really well. He had his second breeze, and it was impressive," Brown said. "He handled it. Everything is on the table. The Fountain of Youth is a possibility because it's here at Gulfstream. That's the obvious target, but we'll nominate him to everything and I'll speak with the owners about what we're doing."

Brown said the Fountain of Youth is also appealing because it falls into the time frame when he expects Structor to be ready for his first start at 3.

"He would be going into the race off only five works," Brown said. "It's a bit of a tight spot, but with the Kentucky Derby staring at you, you have to get going."

Structor's first work since his Nov. 1 win at the Breeders' Cup was at Palm Meadows Jan. 25, when he breezed three furlongs in :37 1/5.

A winner of his three starts, including the Pilgrim Stakes (G3T), with earnings of $709,500, Structor was bought by Mike Ryan, agent, for $850,000 from the Pick View consignment at the 2019 Ocala Breeders' Sales March Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training.

The first foal from the More Than Ready  mare Miss Always Ready, Structor was bred in Kentucky by Three Chimneys Farm and was originally bought by Marquee Bloodstock for $160,000 from the Gainesway consignment at the 2018 Keeneland September Yearling Sale.