Just how good is Hidden Scroll? 

Today we take step closer to the answer. 

It’s difficult to imagine a debut as mind-blowing as Hidden Scroll’s was. Faced with an inside post and a mile test against 12 others that were good enough for bettors to see him postward at a non-threatening 8-1, the Bill Mott-trained son of Hard Spun gave a performance that earned him a quick trip against Triple Crown hopefuls in just his second start. After the 14-length demolition in 1:34 4-5, Hidden Scroll is the favorite for the Grade 2 Xpressbet Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream. 

The 1 1-16th-mile feature will be Hidden Scroll’s first vs. winners and first around two turns. There are several with quality stakes experience. The Fountain of Youth usually isn’t an easy spot and it looks like more of the same today. 

The Fountain of Youth is the 13th on the 14-race card and is the 3rd leg of the late Pick 4, which includes the Gr. 3 Honey Fox, the Gr. 2 Davona Dale, the Fountain of Youth and the Gr. 2 Mac Diarmida. 

If Hidden Scroll wins the Fountain of Youth the way he won his maiden, it will be a terrific shot across the bow of the 3-year-old scene. Among the quality runners in the way are Bourbon War, Vekoma and Signalman – all used on this suggested Pick 4 ticket. 

Bourbon War prepped with a win in an optional claiming race here on Jan. 18, and the Mark Hennig-trained Tapit colt is 2 of 3 with his lone loss a 4th-place finish behind Maximus Mischief. 

Vekoma is unbeaten in two starts and makes his 1st since Nov. 4 when he won the G3 Nashua at Aqueduct. Trained by George Weaver, the Candy Ride has a few good works to his credit leading up to this and he has the tactical speed that should keep him in it throughout. 

Signalman, a General Quarters colt trained by Kenny McPeek, could be the beneficiary of a speed war here. He has closed ground in most of his races, has a 2 of 5 record and can be dangerous with a strong kick. High on his resume is his 3rd behind Game Winner and Knicks Go in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. 

Here’s the suggested ticket for the Late Pick 4 at Gulfstream Park: 

Race 11) #1 Precieuse, #9 Bellavais, #10 Dolce Lili. 
Race 12) #1 Jayhawk, #5 Champagne Anyone. 
Race 13) #4 Bourbon War, #5 Vekoma, #6 Signalman, #7 Hidden Scroll. 
Race 14) #3 Melmich, #4 Hunter O’Riley, #6 Zulu Alpha, #11 Channel Maker. 

50-cent Pick 4: 1-9-10 with 1-5 with 4-5-6-7 with 3-4-6-11 ($48). 

Plus, don't forget the 3 Million Point Split on Gulfstream Park's three Pick 4's!