Dornoch, despite being conservatively ridden, secured his second consecutive win at the graded level in the $400,000 GII Coolmore Fountain of Youth S., overcoming challenges and scratches of key rivals to earn 50 Kentucky Derby points.
‣ The $400,000 GII Coolmore Fountain of Youth S. race was significantly impacted by the scratches of prominent contenders including ‘TDN Rising Star’ Locked, Victory Avenue, and Speak Easy, leading to Dornoch becoming the overwhelming favorite and eventually winning the race in a workmanlike fashion against four rivals.
‣ Dornoch, trained by Danny Gargan and ridden by jockey Luis Saez, managed to secure his second consecutive win at the graded level despite not being intended to lead the race. The plan was to stalk, but circumstances led to Dornoch taking the lead early on and maintaining it throughout the race.
‣ The pedigree of Dornoch is highlighted, being a full brother to 2023 GI Kentucky Derby winner Mage and having a notable family history in racing. The article also mentions future plans for Dornoch, which could include the GI Curlin Florida Derby or the GI Toyota Blue Grass, and provides insights into the pedigree and sales history of related horses.
Dornoch and @luissaezpty dominate the @coolmoreamerica Fountain of Youth G2 for @GarganRacing at #GulfstreamPark! pic.twitter.com/77zRMWCJuG
— Gulfstream Park (@GulfstreamPark) March 2, 2024
Oh boy, Feb. 24 was a day marked on every racing fan’s calendar. The $400,000 GII Coolmore Fountain of Youth S. was shaping up to be a race to remember. Why, you ask? Well, it had everything. ‘TDN Rising Star’ Locked (Gun Runner) was there, fresh off his heroics at the GI Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity and a commendable third at the GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Not to forget Dornoch (Good Magic), the horse that was making waves with his comeback, winning the GII Remsen S. And then, there were the dark horses: Speak Easy (Constitution) and Victory Avenue (Arrogate), both brimming with untapped potential.
But, as fate would have it, the race gods had other plans. By the time Saturday mid-morning rolled around, Locked and Victory Avenue were out. Scratched. And Speak Easy? The poor thing got loose behind the gate, leading to a last-minute withdrawal. Just like that, the field was wide open for Dornoch, who was now staring down a 1-5 shot against four rivals that, on paper, didn’t stand a chance.
Dornoch, with Luis Saez in the saddle, didn’t disappoint. Despite being drawn on the rail, Le Dom Bro (Mucho Macho Man) gave it a good go, pushing hard for the lead. But Dornoch was just too good, taking the lead early and setting a pace that was just right. The fractions? :24.39 and :48.14. Not too shabby, eh?
Even as they turned for home, Dornoch had it under control. Sure, Le Dom Bro wasn’t giving up without a fight, sticking close to the rail and keeping the pressure on. But Dornoch, even with a few missteps, always looked like he had another gear to shift into.
Post-race, Danny Gargan, Dornoch’s trainer, was all smiles. The plan hadn’t been to lead, but with Speak Easy out, plans changed. “He kind of plays around,” Gargan said about Dornoch, hinting at the colt’s playful nature on the track. Luis Saez was given the green light to take the lead, and well, the rest is history. Gargan admitted they hadn’t expected to win, but sometimes, races just have a way of surprising you.
What’s next for Dornoch? Gargan’s eyeing either the GI Curlin Florida Derby or the GI Toyota Blue Grass. A step up, no doubt, but Dornoch seems ready for it.
Dornoch’s journey to this point has been nothing short of cinematic. From a second-place finish in the slop at Saratoga to narrowly clinching the Remsen, it’s been a rollercoaster. And let’s not forget the pedigree. Dornoch comes from a line of champions, with Puca, his dam, fetching a handsome $475,000 at KEENOV back in 2018.
The story doesn’t end with Dornoch, though. Mage, his full brother, and a $290,000 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic juvenile, has already made waves, finishing runner-up in the GI Florida Derby before claiming victory at the Kentucky Derby. And the latest from Puca? A colt by McKinzie, snagged by Mayberry Farm for a cool $1.2 million.
As for the race itself? Dornoch and Luis Saez made it look easy, dominating the field and securing those precious 50 Kentucky Derby points. It was a performance that had the Twitterverse buzzing, with Gulfstream Park and fans alike singing their praises.
In the end, the Coolmore Fountain of Youth S. might not have gone exactly as planned, with scratches and surprises along the way. But it gave us a glimpse of a star in the making, a horse that, despite the odds, showed us what it means to race with heart. Dornoch, remember the name. Because this is just the beginning.
