Potential starters go through final Fountain of Youth preps

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - A handful of potential Fountain of Youth starters, including reigning juvenile champion Good Magic and the Dale Romans trio of Free Drop Billy, Storm Runner, and Promises Fulfilled, turned in their final preps for that race Saturday.

At Palm Meadows, Good Magic breezed an easy half-mile in 48.40 before going out a full six furlongs in 1:15.20, according to Daily Racing Form’s Donald Harris. Good Magic worked solo this morning after having gone in company with no less a mate as the older, Grade 1-placed Economic Model in his previous two works.

The Romans trio all worked after the second renovation break at Gulfstream Park. Promises Fulfilled was the first to go, breezing five furlongs in 1:00.35 from the half-mile pole while picking up some unexpected company at the start. He galloped-out six furlongs in 1:13.00.

The steadily improving Storm Runner was next, zipping from the half-mile pole to the wire in 46.61 under his regular exercise rider Tammy Fox before continuing on five-eighths in 59.04 without any encouragement. He galloped-out three parts of a mile in 1:12.21.

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Holy Bull runner-up Free Drop Billy came next, going an easier five furlongs, also from the half, in 1:01.40, finishing full of energy into the clubhouse turn before pulling up six panels in 1:14.52.

“All three of them are push-button, they did everything perfect,” Romans said. “I can’t believe how far Storm Runner has come forward this winter. It might be as much as any horse I’ve ever had. She (Fox) never moved on him. He never changes stride or gets to scrambling to finish.”

Romans said in all likelihood Irad Ortiz Jr. will ride Promises Fulfilled, Joel Rosario is slated to handle Storm Runner, and Robby Albarado will ride Free Drop Billy in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth.

Earlier in the morning, also at Gulfstream, trainer Mark Hennig sent out his undefeated Strike Power to breeze four furlongs in 48.34, breaking off six lengths behind stablemate Carlino before sticking his head in front nearing the wire. Strike Power galloped-out out five-eighths in 1:01.86.