Nobiz Like Shobiz still headed for Wood

Grade 2 winner NOBIZ LIKE SHOBIZ (Albert the Great) is still on target for

the April 7 Wood Memorial S. (G1) at Aqueduct after running third in the

Fountain of Youth S. (G2) on Saturday. The Barclay Tagg-trained bay was sent off

the 3-5 favorite in the Gulfstream Park event on Saturday, but had to settle for

third, a half-length behind winner Scat Daddy (Johannesburg).

"He looks in good shape and ate up his dinner last night and seemed happy

enough," Tagg said Sunday morning.

Nobiz Like Shobiz had a rough start in the Fountain of Youth, bumping with a

rival when the gates opened and then forced to steady entering the first turn.

Tagg attributed most of the trouble to the colt.

"He made things tough on himself," the conditioner said. "He blew the first

turn and then tried to duck in and slipped back on the other turn. He lost about

a length each time and then he gets beat only half a length. I'm disappointed we

lost, but I don't feel bad about the horse. We just have to try and get him to

come out of his shenanigans soon."

Nobiz Like Shobiz was beaten by Scat Daddy in the Champagne S. (G1) last

season before ending his juvenile campaign with a victory in the Remsen S. (G2).

He turned the tables on Scat Daddy when taking the Holy Bull S. (G3) in his

sophomore bow.

In going to the Wood, Nobiz Like Shobiz is following the same route Tagg used

for 2003 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner, Funny Cide (Distorted Humor).

Also exiting the Fountain of Youth in good condition is ADORE THE GOLD (Formal

Gold), who finished fourth on Saturday, beaten just a length.

"He came back fine and we're not too disappointed," trainer Mike Gorham said.

"It was his first time going a mile-and-an-eighth and having to overcome the

outside post, to get beat only a length, is no disgrace."

The dark bay colt, winner of the Swale S. (G2) prior to Saturday's run, could

get a rematch with Scat Daddy in the March 31 Florida Derby (G1).

"We're looking to keep him here, barring any complications," Gorham

explained. "The Florida Derby looks like it would be the ideal situation."