Kentucky Derby News: Burnham Square’s Next Move

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Kentucky Derby Prep Races Odds and News

“Burnham Square”’s Next Move: Fountain of Youth Stakes on the Horizon

The Kentucky Derby Prep Races continue to define the top contenders for the first Saturday in May, and trainer Ian Wilkes is carefully mapping out the next steps for “Burnham Square”.

After securing 20 Kentucky Derby qualifying points with his win in the Holy Bull Stakes, the talented gelding will likely target the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes on March 1 at Gulfstream Park. 

With Kentucky Derby betting intensifying, “Burnham Square”’s potential Derby path is becoming more precise, and his Kentucky Derby odds could continue to shorten with another strong performance.

Fountain of Youth Likely the Next Test

Wilkes confirmed that “Burnham Square” exited the Holy Bull in excellent condition, appearing “bright and alert” while training at Palm Meadows. The natural progression for the son of Liam’s Map would be to stay at Gulfstream and contest the Fountain of Youth, a key Derby prep that offers a larger purse and additional qualifying points.

While the decision is not yet final, Wilkes emphasized that the timing makes sense, as it allows the horse to remain in familiar surroundings while continuing to develop. The race is four weeks away, giving “Burnham Square” ample recovery time before stepping up against another competitive field.

How “Burnham Square” Has Improved

Since the addition of blinkers and the guidance of jockey Edgard Zayas, “Burnham Square” has developed into a legitimate Kentucky Derby contender. 

Before the equipment change, he struggled to focus in races, often avoiding dirt kickbacks and failing to engage. However, he has shown significant improvement in his last two starts at Gulfstream, including a dominant nine-length maiden victory in December.

Wilkes has also noted that “Burnham Square” thrives as distances increase, which could work to his advantage as Derby prep races get longer. With the Fountain of Youth contested at 1 1/16 miles, it will provide another opportunity to confirm his stamina before considering longer distances such as the Florida Derby or the Kentucky Derby itself.

Alternate Paths to the Derby

While the Fountain of Youth remains the most likely option, Wilkes and the owners of Whitham Thoroughbreds have a few alternatives to consider. Should they opt for more time between starts, the Grade 1 Florida Derby on March 30 could be an option, allowing “Burnham Square” to train up to a 1 1/8-mile test without another race in between.

Another possibility, though less likely, would be to ship out of Florida for races such as the Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds or the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn. However, given his success at Gulfstream and the relatively short time between races, staying in Florida is the preferred strategy.

Other Horses Adjusting After the Holy Bull

While “Burnham Square” looks ahead to his next challenge, other Holy Bull participants adjust their schedules. Guns Loaded, who set the pace in the race before fading, will likely be cut back in distance for future starts. 

Trainer Jose D’Angelo acknowledged that sprint races may be a better fit for the Mucho Macho Man Stakes winner, who could not sustain his speed over the Holy Bull’s 1 1/16 miles.