Cherry Wine to Miss Fountain of Youth

Trainer Dale Romans intended to use the Feb. 27 Xpressbet Fountain of Youth Stakes (gr. II) to establish Cherry Wine as a top Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) contender, but those plans were dashed when Romans Feb. 24 said the promising colt would not run Saturday at Gulfstream Park due to a slight fever and cough.

 

"We don't want to risk this horse. We hold him in high regard," Romans told Blood-Horse at Gulfstream. "I think he's a true Derby horse. There are other preps we can hit."

 

According to Romans, the gray son of Paddy O'Prado   first showed symptoms that something was amiss Feb. 23. Though the horse's fever returned to normal by Wednesday morning, the decision was made to err on the side of caution and veterinarians began a course of antibiotics.

 

"Everybody agrees it's not a big deal," he said. "It's just bad timing."

 

Cherry Wine, a homebred owned by Frank Jones Jr. and William Pacella, began to show potential late in his 2-year-old campaign when he gained his first victory in a 9 1/4-length romp Nov. 28 at Churchill Downs. He made an impressive 3-year-old debut with a six-length rout of Battery in an optional claiming/allowance race Jan. 9 at Gulfstream.

 

Romans said he would still like to give Cherry Wine two prep races in an effort to qualify for the Kentucky Derby according to the points system established by Churchill. He said the grade I Xpressbet Florida Derby April 2 remains under consideration.

 

"I probably won't even think about it until I know he's 100%," Romans said of revising his plans. "I don't want to have a target and then I might not get there."

 

Romans expressed confidence he still has enough time for Cherry Wine to gain the points and seasoning he needs to reach the Kentucky Derby. "It's a short way to the Fountain of Youth," he said. "It's a long way to the Kentucky Derby."

 

If Cherry Wine had competed in the Fountain of Youth, Romans was not planning to attend. He committed long ago to appearing at Meredith-Dunn School in Louisville, Ky., which assists youngsters with learning challenges. Romans overcame severe dyslexia in emerging as a prominent trainer.