Florida Derby expected to get Fountain of Youth top three

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Nominations for the $1 million Florida Derby were to be released late Wednesday, with only seven to eight expected to start from the list of about 25 nominees.

The top three finishers from the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth – Gunnevera, Practical Joke, and Three Rules – could meet again April 1 in the nine-furlong Florida Derby, although trainer Chad Brown has not confirmed Practical Joke as a definite starter. Likewise, Todd Pletcher has not committed Battalion Runner and Always Dreaming, although both are expected to be entered.

Trainer Dale Romans has listed both J Boys Echo and Impressive Edge as possible Florida Derby starters, while trainer Patrick Biancone said Wednesday he is considering running his Florida-bred maiden winner Unbridled Holiday.

“He’ll work Friday, and we’ll make a decision after that,” said Biancone.

Unbridled Holiday is coming off a third-place finish behind Always Dreaming in a nine-furlong allowance race here March 4.

“I think the more distance, the better for my horse,” Biancone said. “He’s more of a mile-and-one-quarter, mile-and-one-half type of horse, with more hope in the Belmont than a race like this. But he is improving, and the experience couldn’t hurt him.”