Despite falling short in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream Park, Burnham Square remains a contender for the Kentucky Derby 2025. Trainer Ian Wilkes has decided to bypass the Florida Derby and prepare the horse for the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland. This strategic move aims to give Burnham Square optimal preparation time and an additional week of rest before the crucial race. The horse's performance in recent events, including a strong showing in the Holy Bull Stakes (G3), highlights his potential despite not securing a win in the Fountain of Youth.

Burnham Square faced challenges during the Fountain of Youth, where he finished fourth, trailing behind several other competitors. However, his trainer remains optimistic about the horse's future prospects. In this 1 1/16-mile race, Burnham Square struggled initially, finding himself last after the first quarter-mile. Despite these early setbacks, the horse demonstrated resilience, finishing with vigor and nearly securing third place by only a neck's margin. Wilkes acknowledged both the mistakes and positive aspects of Burnham Square's performance, emphasizing that the horse showed promise as he picked up speed in the final stretch.

The decision to skip the Florida Derby on March 29 and instead target the Blue Grass Stakes on April 5 was influenced by the need for extra preparation time. Wilkes believes that the additional week between races will benefit Burnham Square's conditioning and overall readiness for the upcoming challenges. "He'll probably go to the Blue Grass. I’ve got to ship sometime," Wilkes remarked, indicating that the extended interval won't harm the horse's performance. This strategic approach underscores the importance of thorough preparation and careful planning in the competitive world of horse racing.

Looking ahead, Burnham Square's journey toward the Kentucky Derby continues with renewed focus. Trainer Ian Wilkes is confident that the horse can recover from the Fountain of Youth setback and perform well in the Blue Grass Stakes. The next few weeks will be crucial in refining Burnham Square's abilities and ensuring he is in top form for the significant races ahead. With a balanced mix of rest and targeted training, the team aims to maximize Burnham Square's potential and keep him on track for a successful season.