Wide Open Fountain of Ute the feature in sunny Florida

When you have a race where the favorite is returning an unbelievable $18.00 to win, you know you have a handicapping puzzle in your hands. This is the case of the Grade II Fountain of Ute, to be run at a Mile and one sixteenth in Florida, with a purse of $200,000. Let’s take a look at the cast for the big race:

1. Forest Niner – This colt has three consecutive wins and he is more than proven at the distance. He has transformed after switching to the dirt and is expected to be one of the mayor players in the race. Expect a stalking trip from this son of Forestry.
2. Kisaran – Royally bred three year old, with five wins in eight lifetime starts, and a double stakes winner already. So far his best racing has come in sprint distances; watch out for him if he goes with an uncontested lead.
3. Byronics – He is talented, no question about it, but when he has tasted stakes competition, he has not been able to perform at his best. Needs some improvement to stand a chance against this tough group.
4. Super Coverup – The best performer in the group so far, with three stakes wins so far in his very short career. He competed already in Graded Company, and did not disgrace himself, taking into consideration that the race was on the grass. He is the ML favorite, and you can see why.
5. Under Brilliance – This colt is making big improvement strides with every race. Already a stakes winner and he has shown great versatility and toughness at odds of 11-1, he looks like a pretty solid candidate.
6. Tale of Auror – The most seasoned of this group, with for stakes victory and a graded placement in his short resume. This colt makes his best effort when he grabs the lead early, and in this race there is plenty of speed to choose from. Circumstances do not help his chances, but can not overlook.
7. Conspirator – So far he has been able to win only in Allowance Company, but does not have to improve a lot to dominate this field. Comes from off the pace and the presence of some speed balls here help his chances.
8. Melek Ha Cavode – Undefeated so far, and his stalking style fits perfectly in this kind of race. This son of Touch Gold has shown signs of brilliance and this will be his big test.
9. Belmont Bomb – His last race was a pleasant surprise, getting in the money in graded company at big odds. If he continues to improve, he could be a big longshot, although looking elsewhere at the ML odds.
10. Bead Two (GB) – Two time graded winner, but all his racing has been on the grass. The big incognita for him is the switch in surface, and needs to rebound from his last two efforts to be able to win in this field. The pace favors him.
11. Armstrong – He has not shown so far that he belongs in this group, but with these inexperienced colts, is not strange that a big improvement occurs at the right time. But for now, look elsewhere.
12. Garcon Zig – Has posted his best SF’s routing, but takes a big step up in competition, and his stakes tries have been very discreet. He is on the way up, but I’ll pass for now.
13. Always Improving – Winner of the Grade I Breeders Bowl Juvenile Turf, but has not shown the same zip over the main course. Can be an interesting play at the right odds, but at the ML I’ll pass.
14. Chinedu Hollandia – Has been competing only in stakes competition, but has been beaten very soundly so far. Taking a step up in class, needs to bring his best stuff and some more to compete here.

Can the undefeated Melek Ha Cavode show he is for real? I will have my money on him. The pace of the race will favor him and is the freshest of these, with only three races. Super Coverup and Forest Niner complete my 1-2-3, but there are plenty of choices for handicappers in a wide open race. I will be on hand in the track to watch my two year old Independencia on the race just before the feature.

Good luck to all owners!