The Fountain of Youth is taking shape, and Napoleon Solo could be a major figure

A total of 23 colts have been nominated for the prep race for the Florida Derby, a contest won in 2025 by the champin Sovereignty

Napoleon Solo and a likely return in the Fountain of Youth / ADAM COGLIANESE / NYRA

HALLANDALE BEACH, Florida (Special to Turf Diario).– The route to the Kentucky Derby (G1) will heat up again on February 28 at Gulfstream Park with a new edition of the Fountain of Youth (G2). The 1700-meter dirt contest offers 105 qualifying points (50-25-15-10-5) and serves as the direct prelude to the Florida Derby (G1), scheduled for March 28.

A total of 23 colts have been nominated, with an attractive core of undefeated runners and graded stakes winners heading the list. The name generating the most anticipation is Napoleon Solo (Liam's Map), winner of the Champagne (G1) at Aqueduct and yet to debut this season. The Gold Square representative has worked regularly at Palm Meadows as he prepares for his highly anticipated three-year-old debut.

Also arriving with a perfect record is Solitude Dude (Yaupon), who won his three starts by a combined margin of more than 21 lengths. However, the Chris Fountoukis trainee has yet to go beyond 1400 meters and must prove his stamina following his dominant victory in the Swale.

The multiple Fountain of Youth champion, Todd Pletcher, could send out Jackson Hole (Nyquist), undefeated in two starts this year, including a 5 1/2-length victory over the same distance as the Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream. The trainer also nominated Class President (Uncle Mo), runner-up in the Swale.

From Brad Cox's barn, Further Ado (Gun Runner) appears, winner of the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) following a crushing 20-length maiden victory. The professional also entered Commandment (Into Mischief), who was dominant in the Mucho Macho Man (L).

Among the proven names are Bravaro (Upstart), second in the Holy Bull (G3); Talkin (Good Magic), runner-up in the Champagne; Roger That Dana (Awesome Slew), second in the Mucho Macho Man; and several recent winners at Gulfstream such as Chief Wallabee (Constitution) and Canaletto (Into Mischief).

The immediate memory of last year adds a special nuance: the winner of the 2025 Fountain of Youth was Sovereignty(Into Mischief), who would go on to triumph in the Kentucky Derby (G1), Belmont Stakes (G1), and Travers Stakes(G1), closing the season as Horse of the Year under the guidance of Bill Mott.