Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher confirmed Thursday that WinStar Farm LLC and Siena Farm LLC’s Speak Easy will be withdrawn from an optional claiming allowance on Friday’s program in favor of a highly anticipated run in Saturday’s $400,000 Coolmore Fountain of Youth (G2) at Gulfstream Park.

Speak Easy, who drew the rail post position for the Fountain of Youth, will face eight other 3-year-olds in the 1 1/16-mile prep for the $1 million Curlin Florida Derby (G1) (March 30) while following a brilliant debut victory Jan. 27 at Gulfstream. The son of Constitution pressed the early pace before drawing clear to win the seven-furlong maiden special weight race by 1 ¾ lengths in a sharp 1:21.96.

He earned a 100 Beyer Speed Figure from Daily Racing Form.

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