Majestic Hussar to Get Distance Test in FOY

Majestic Hussar has run well in two allowance starts sprinting at Gulfstream Park this winter for trainer Eddie Kenneally and will face his biggest challenge yet when he tries two turns for the first time in the $400,000 Fountain of Youth Stakes (gr. II) at 1 1/16 miles Feb. 23.

"We know we have a quality sprinter after his two races here with the horses he ran against," said Kenneally Feb. 14. "We want to try the distance. If it doesn't work we still know we have a good sprinter. We know he likes the track. Gabriel Saez will ride him."

Joseph Witek's 3-year-old Kentucky homebred colt by Majestic Warrior   ran twice last summer at 2. He won his debut at Saratoga Race Course in August and finished seventh behind Shanghai Bobby   in the Three Chimneys Hopeful Stakes (gr. II) in September after setting the pace into the stretch.

In his two starts at Gulfstream, Majestic Hussar finished second to Falling Sky Dec. 15 and was impressive winning by 2 1/4 lengths over favorite Palace Malice going seven furlongs Jan. 19. Falling Sky came back to win the Sam Davis Stakes (gr. III) at Tampa Bay Downs.

Majestic Hussar's half brothers, 5-year-old Joes Blazing Aaron and 4-year-old Tiz Sardonic Joe are nominated for the $150,000 Canadian Turf Stakes (gr. IIIT) the same afternoon as the Fountain of Youth. "We're going to run Joes Blazing Aaron in the Canadian and hope it turns out to be a family day," said Kenneally.

The three siblings are out of Distorted Blaze, by Distorted Humor  .