Fountain of Youth Comments

Here are a few comments from trainers and jockeys after the Fountain of Youth

Kiaran McLaughlin, trainer, Soldat - "When he drew the one post we decided he had to go to the lead. That doesn't mean we might not have another strategy in the future (depending on the draw). It's on to the Florida Derby now. He's always done everything right and today we got the fast track we wanted. The timing of the program here is perfect for us - five weeks from now to the Florida Derby (April 3) and another five weeks to the Kentucky Derby (May 7)."

Bill Mott, trainer, To Honor and Serve - "He (jockey John Velazquez) liked his race. He said he did everything he asked until he got to the quarter pole and then he said he got a little flat. I can imagine he might have needed the race. If he got beat I thought he might carry (Velazquez) a little more into the stretch. It looks like he needed the race. John compared him to the horse he rode and won the Davona Dale (R Heat Lightning). The first time down here she was a little flat and she came back and ran big today."

John Velazquez, jockey, To Honor and Serve "I thought he ran very well. He settled in 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. I think, off the layoff, that is to be expected. Overall, I thought he ran terrific."