Fountain of Youth gets 34 nominees

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Reigning 2-year-old champion male Nyquist and the undefeated Mohaymen top a list of 34 3-year-olds nominated to the $400,000 Fountain of Youth, to be run Feb. 27.

Nyquist, an impressive winner of his 2016 debut Monday in the Grade 2 San Vicente at Santa Anita, will not run in the Fountain of Youth but is expected to ship locally for the Grade 1 Florida Derby on April 2. Mohaymen tops a stellar group pointing for the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth that also includes Awesome Banner, Awesome Speed, Zulu, Cherry Wine, and Fellowship.

◗ Eight filly and mare turf sprinters will contest Saturday’s main event, the $75,000 Melody of Colors at five furlongs on the grass. The field includes the stakes winner Brandy’s Girl, the graded-stakes-placed My Dear Venezuela, Kandoo, Cash Back, and More Royalty. Three starters – Blushing Humor, Hi Holiday, and Dad’s Kiddo – were supplemented into the lineup.