Fountain of Youth 2013 Results: Orb Upsets Violence

Violence, sent to the post as the heavy 3/5 betting favorite, failed to maintain his undefeated record after Orb ran him down in the stretch to win the Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park.

The Fountain of Youth featured a torrid pace set by early leader Majestic Hussar, and a slow, grinding finish by two very tired horses. After running the opening quarter in a brisk 23.11 seconds, Majestic Hussar clicked off sprinter-like splits of 45.45 seconds for the half mile and 1:08.85 for six furlongs. Violence, stalking the leader down the backstretch, closed the gap as the field hit the far turn and assumed command of the race at the top of the stretch. But Violence’s move to the lead was a bit premature and it was soon apparent that the fast fractions were taking a toll on the favorite as his stride began to shorten.

As Violence raced inside the last quarter of a mile, Orb swung three or four wide into the middle of the track and began to run down the leader with every stride. Orb passed Violence inside the final furlong went on to win by a half length at the wire. The final three furlongs of the Fountain of Youth went in a snail-like 33.60 seconds.

As a result of his victory in the Fountain of Youth, Orb earns 50 points toward a spot in the starting gate in the 2013 Kentucky Derby. Runner-up Violence earns 20 points, show horse Speak Logistics earns 10 points, and the fourth place horse, Majestic Hussar, earns 5 points.

Orb is a 3-year-old son of Malibu Moon out of a Unbridled mare (Lady Liberty), trained by Shug McGaughey and ridden by John Velazquez.

Below are the payouts, fractions and internal splits from the Fountain of Youth Stakes: