Meet the Contenders: 2026 Fountain of Youth
Napoleon Solo wins the Champagne Stakes at Aqueduct. (Photo by Coglianese Photos)
February 24th, 2026
Meet the horses running in the 2026 Fountain of Youth (G2) at Gulfstream Park. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential. The star rating of 1 to 5 represents the opportunity to perform well. Be sure to follow these contenders by adding them to your Stable Alerts.
Jackson Hole wins at Gulfstream Park. (Photo by Coglianese Photo)
#1 Jackson Hole ***
Pro: Unbeaten from two starts and passed the first two-turn test simply at FG.
Con: This spot is much deeper and not quite the fastest on paper.
Rockies Balboa wins at Gulfstream Park. (Photo by Coglianese Photo)
#2 Rockies Balboa *
Pro: Has won two straight quite easily, albeit against far easier.
Con: Must contend with other speeds over a distance he’s never tried.
#4 Talkin edges out #1 Stardale at Saratoga. (Photo by Coglianese Photo)
#3 Talkin
***SCRATCHED***
Commandment wins at Churchill Downs. (Photo by Coady Media)
#4 Commandment *****
Pro: Easy winner of Mucho Macho Man S. looks primed to stretch out well.
Con: Tends to offer little to no value, and this spot is unlikely to differ.
Commandment pushes through rivals to break his maiden in R6 at @churchilldowns under @jaimetorresjcky for trainer @bradcoxracing! 🤩
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) November 1, 2025
🎥 #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/dw9V66VFZ2
Bravaro wins at Belmont at the Big A. (Photo by Coglianese Photo)
#5 Bravaro ***
Pro: NY-bred fared well in debut with open company when second best in Holy Bull (G3).
Con: Entirely possible one-turn races might be his ultimate forte.
Chief Wallabee wins at Gulfstream Park. (Photo by Coglianese Photo)
#6 Chief Wallabee ****
Pro: Solid debut win going 7f; barn won this last year with Sovereignty.
Con: Tough spot in which to face winners for the first time.
Napoleon Solo wins the Champagne Stakes at Aqueduct. (Photo by Coglianese Photos)
#7 Napoleon Solo *****
Pro: Dominant Champagne (G1) winner enters fresh with solid works.
Con: Form of Aqueduct fixture has not panned out; two turns is a potential issue.
Bull by the Horns (Photo by Coglianese Photo)
#8 Bull by the Horns *
Pro: Gradual, modest improvement in speed ratings each time he’s run.
Con: Looks overmatched off third in Tampa allowance.
Global Aviator wins at Gulfstream Park. (Photo by Coglianese Photo)
#9 Global Aviator **
Pro: Barn having a strong meet and might improve second off the bench.
Con: Made no impact in Holy Bull, and this field is significantly tougher.
Solitude Dude wins the Swale Stakes at Gulfstream Park. (Photo by Coglianese Photo)
#10 Solitude Dude ***
Pro: Best 3yo sprinter in Florida with decisive wins in all three starts.
Con: Extra distance is a bit of a question mark and not the best of draws.
TwinSpires
#11 Lost Money *
Pro: Two turns, pedigree-wise, should suit this late developer.
Con: Maiden has lost all three starts by at least seven lengths.
