High Yield took a significant step forward in this year’s Triple Crown campaign when he went to the lead immediately in Gulfstream Park’s 0000 Fountain of Youth Stakes (G1) and drew away through the stretch for a 3 ¼-length victory over Holy Bull Stakes (G3) winner Hal’s Hope. Owned by the partnership of Robert and Beverly Lewis, Susan Magnier, and Michael Tabor, High Yield ran the Fountain of Youth’s 1 1/16 miles in a respectable 1:42.56 on a fast track. High Yield had finished second last in his prior start, Santa Anita Park’s Santa Catalina Stakes (G2) for trainer D. Wayne Lukas. Sent off as the 2.40-to-1 favorite, High Yield went quickly to the lead under Pat Day and was pursued by Hal’s Hope through fractions of :23.25, :46.01, and 1:09.88 for the first six furlongs. Hal’s Hope, ridden by Roger Velez, made his bid on the final turn but gradually lost ground through the stretch. Elite Mercedes finished third, another 2 ½ lengths back, while 3.90-to-1 second choice Greenwood Lake closed from last in a field of 11 to finish fourth, a head behind Elite Mercedes. “We had a couple of thoughts in the paddock,” trainer D. Wayne Lukas said. “One, that this is a free-running horse and we might find ourselves on the lead. I told Pat: ‘Nobody’s better than Pat Day on the lead riding a Storm Cat, so if you find yourself on the lead, let ’em come along beside you. “I wasn’t too concerned when Hal’s Hope came alongside. I was just a little concerned with the 1:09 and change. We …
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