A fast track proved no problem for Soldat in the Fountain of the Youth (Joe Ganley/EquiSport Photos)

The Kiaran McLaughlin-trained SOLDAT (War Front) was second choice behind To Honor and Serve (Bernardini) for much of the wagering for Saturday's $400,000 Fountain of Youth S. (G2) at Gulfstream Park, but a late surge of support resulted in the dark bay closing as the 7-5 favorite in a field of eight three-year-olds. The pari-mutuel wave proved entirely justified as Soldat took command from the start, set a moderate pace, and held off challenges from To Honor and Serve and Gourmet Dinner to register a two-length win in the nine-furlong prep for the April 3 Florida Derby (G1).

Owned in partnership by Harvey Clarke, Craig Robertson III, Paul Braverman and Namcook Stable, Soldat broke from post 1 and opened up a length through an opening quarter in :24 1/5. El Grayling (El Prado [Ire]) chased in second while To Honor and Serve, making his first start since winning the Remsen S. (G2) in November, endured a three-wide trip entering the clubhouse turn. Down the backside, El Grayling applied pressure to Soldat, cutting the margin to a head through a half in :47 4/5. That longshot soon ran out of steam and was ultimately eased, and the baton was passed to To Honor and Serve.

The match most fans were waiting for occurred around the far turn as the 6-5 To Honor and Serve moved up to within a head of the leader after six furlongs in 1:12 2/5. El Grayling continued his retreat behind them while 7-2 third choice Gourmet Dinner (Trippi) advanced from fourth and the rest of the field languished far behind. The duel between the two favorites proved short lived, however, as Soldat began to step away from a short To Honor and Serve and opened up three lengths with a furlong to go. Gourmet Dinner easily moved past To Honor and Serve to grab second but could not close the needed ground. Under Alan Garcia, Soldat finished two lengths clear in a time of 1:50 1/5 over the fast track.

Soldat will make his next start on the Triple Crown Trail in the Florida Derby (Adam Coglianese Photography)

"It's on to the Florida Derby now," McLaughlin said. The timing of the program here is perfect for us -- five weeks from now to the Florida Derby and another five weeks to the Kentucky Derby (G1)."

Despite To Honor and Serve's loss by 6 3/4 lengths, jockey John Velazquez was encouraged by the performance.

"I thought he ran very well," he said. "He settled really well going down the backside. He ranged up to the leader on the far turn and finished well, just didn't have the closing kick he usually does," Velazquez said. "I think, off the layoff, that is to be expected. Overall, though, I thought he ran terrific."

Soldat made his debut at Belmont on June 10, in a five-furlong dash in the mud, and ultimately lost his duel with Bail Out the Cat (Tale of the Cat) by 2 1/4 lengths. Soldat was 10 1/2 lengths clear of next-out winner Pluck (More Than Ready). Next time out on a good track, Soldat was no match for the highly-regarded Wine Police (Speightstown) in a 5 1/2-furlong maiden at Saratoga on July 24, but was again 5 3/4 lengths clear of third. Wine Police boosted the form when third in the Hopeful S. (G1) at the Spa.