Fly So Free Breezes to Easy Victory in the Fountain of Youth Stakes

Fly So Free, an early favorite to win the Kentucky Derby, won the $122,895 Fountain of Youth Stakes by six lengths at Gulfstream Saturday.

Moment of True, a 30-1 shot, finished second and Subordinated Debt, the third betting choice, was third in a field of 10 3-year-olds in this prep for the Florida Derby.

Ridden by Jose Santos, Fly So Free went 1 1/16 miles in 1:44 1/5 and paid $3, $2.40 and $2.20. Moment of True paid $9.20 and $5, Subordinated Debt $3.20.

“This horse is unbelievable,” Santos said. “He made the lead so easy. But he has a bad habit. . . . When he gets to the front, he waits for other horses.”

Santos kept Fly So Free close to the pace all the way as Moment of True and Tustunugee battled for the lead. Fly So Free opened a three-length lead at the eighth pole and ran away from the field after Santos hit him right-handed with every stride the rest of the way.