Florida Derby next for Soldat; Gourmet Dinner eyeing Santa Anita

Soldat will likely make his final Kentucky Derby prep in the Florida Derby (Adam Coglianese Photography)

SOLDAT (War Front) was “happy and in great shape,” trainer Kiaran McLaughlin
reported Sunday, following his dominant two-length victory in the $400,000
Fountain of Youth (G2) at Gulfstream Park. The three-year-old colt led virtually
every step of the way Saturday as the 7-5 betting favorite to finish ahead of
GOURMET DINNER (Trippi) and TO HONOR AND SERVE (Bernardini).

The Fountain of Youth was Soldat’s first victory over a fast main track, an
outcome that pleased McLaughlin but didn’t surprise him in the least.

“Going into the race, I wasn’t concerned about that at all,” McLaughlin said.
“He’s always trained extremely well over a fast track, but it is nice to finally
get it in print that he likes it fast.”

While Soldat has won his last two races from the front end, McLaughlin says
he has no concerns about his colt’s ability to rate in the future.

“He absolutely could rate,” McLaughlin remarked. “We have no worries about
that.”

Gourmet Dinner (outside) and To Honor and Serve (middle) could not keep pace with Soldat (Adam Coglianese Photography)

Fountain of Youth runner-up Gourmet Dinner came out of the race “very well”
according to trainer Steve Standridge, who will chose between the Florida Derby
(G1) and April 9 Santa Anita Derby (G1) for the colt’s next start.

“I’m very happy with the way he ran,” Standridge said. “He switched leads
down the stretch when Ramon (Dominguez) hit him right handed, then he changed
back after a few strides, but you lose a little momentum.”

Gourmet Dinner continues to prove himself as an “iron horse,” having placed
first, second or third in seven of eight career starts, having shipped
back-and-forth to the West Coast twice, and having run at four different tracks.

“He’s a warrior,” Standridge said. “We’re going to play it by ear as far as
his next start. We’re looking at the Florida Derby and Santa Anita Derby, but
we’re leaning a little toward Santa Anita. I know it will be easier in
California than it is here, and it gives us another week.”