Fire At Will Under Consideration for Fountain of Youth
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Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
Jockey Ricardo Santana Jr. celebrates aboard Fire At Will after their victory in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf at Keeneland
Three Diamonds Farm's Fire At Will, winner of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Presented by Coolmore America (G1T) in his final start of 2020, is a candidate for the Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park Feb. 27, according to his connections.
His presence would contribute toward an intriguing renewal of the 1 1/16-mile stakes for 3-year-olds, a race that could also attract Holy Bull Stakes (G3) winner Greatest Honour and Claiborne Farm Swale Stakes (G3) winner Drain the Clock. The Fountain of Youth traditionally serves as a steppingstone for the Curlin Florida Derby Presented by Hill 'n' Dale Farms at Xalapa (G1) at Gulfstream March 27.
"Obviously the Fountain of Youth would not be the race you'd pick if you were trying to find an easy spot," said Kirk Wycoff of Three Diamonds Farm.
Though the Fountain of Youth is preferred at this stage, other options for a return include the $100,000 Palm Beach Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on grass on the Fountain of Youth undercard.
Fire At Will, by Declaration of War out of the Kitten's Joy mare Flirt, has been training well on dirt this winter at Gulfstream, trainer Mike Maker said. His last work was a Jan. 30 five-furlong breeze in 1:01.66.
Last year the colt also won the Pilgrim Stakes (G2T) on grass at Belmont Park and the off-the-turf With Anticipation Stakes at Saratoga Race Course.