The Enquirer and wire reports

Today's 11/16th-mile Grade I Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale, Fla., is the first significant step on the road to the May 3 Kentucky Derby.

Ohio-bred Ten Cents a Shine is the most lightly raced 3-year-old in the nine-horse field.

But with Hall of Famer Jerry Bailey aboard for the second time, trainer Ken McPeek thinks Ten Cents a Shine will respond even better than the first ride. In an allowance race two weeks ago, Bailey rallied the bay colt to a dead-heat win with Senor Swinger.

If Ten Cents a Shine runs well in just his fourth start, McPeek will be certain he has another strong chance to win his first Derby.

"If he wins, though, watch out. They're in trouble. This horse is going to be a major, major contender," McPeek said. "Even if he runs third or better, I wouldn't trade places with anybody else."

He felt the same way last year when he had top Derby prospects in Cincinnati Select Stable's Repent and Ohio Horse of the Year Harlan's Holiday. Repent was injured after the Illinois Derby in April and never made it to the Derby. Harlan's Holiday did, but he finished seventh as the 6-1 favorite and then was fourth in the Preakness.

Before the Belmont, McPeek was fired by Harlan's Holiday's owners. The trainer salvaged his Triple Crown season when third-stringer Sarava won the Belmont at record 70-to-1 odds.

The Fountain of Youth field: Supah Blitz, Ten Cents a Shine, Ozzie Cat, Midway Cat, Whywhywhy, Trust N Luck, Conservation, Seek Gold and Holy Bull Stakes winner Offlee Wild.

The 7-furlong Grade II Hutcheson Stakes for 3-year-olds also will be run at Gulfstream today. Cajun Beat, Crafty Guy, First Blush, Lion Tamer, Scrimshaw and Strength Within were entered.