When Scat Daddy and Stormello finished just a nose apart in the Fountain of Youth (GII) at Gulfstream Park, the stage was set for a rematch in the $1 million Florida Derby (GI). Those two, plus seven other challengers, including Adore the Gold, fourth by about a length in the Fountain of Youth, were entered in Saturday's 1 1/8 mile race.

Off that last race, it's difficult to separate the top two. Scat Daddy was made the 5-2 morning line favorite, with Stormello a close second choice at 3-1.

Trained by Todd Pletcher, Scat Daddy has remained with his Florida contingent, working twice at Palm Beach Downs. Scat Daddy would benefit from a pace scenario similar to the Fountain of Youth, when Stormello and Adore the Gold set very quick fractions to aid the winner's closing kick. Scat Daddy will get a new rider in Edgar Prado; regular rider John Velazquez will be in Dubai for Saturday's World Cup.

Stormello, who had an eventful trip from his southern California base to Florida for the Fountain of Youth, went back to the West Coast after that race, turned in two very quick workouts at Hollywood, as was due to ship back to Gulfstream on Thursday. Unlike Scat Daddy, he would benefit from a slower pace, though the headstrong colt seems to relish being on or near the lead. His regular rider, Kent Desormeaux, is also in Dubai, giving the mount to Victor Espinoza.

Another West Coast shipper that will be on the plane with Stormello is third choice Notional. Part of Doug O'Neill's strong stable of 3-year-olds, Notional. He was last seen on February 10 winning the Risen Star (GIII). He didn't post a workout for nearly a month afterwards, but has three recent moves at Hollywood in preparation for this. Look for him to be placed midpack behind the early speed. Robbie Albarado, who rode him in the Risen Star, gets the return call.

The connections of Adore the Gold have been anxiously awaiting this race after what was a less than ideal trip in the Fountain of Youth. Trainer Michael Gorham thought his colt was compromised by the outside post, which caused him to use up too much energy early. Coupled with the speed duel alongside Stormello, he came up a length short for the top spot. Saturday, he has post four and should be ideally spotted. A blazingly fast five-furlong workout in 57.60 seconds last Saturday says the son of Formal Gold is sitting on a big race. With Edgar Prado jumping to Scat Daddy, Adore the Gold will be ridden by Cornelio Velasquez, the regular rider of Nobiz Like Shobiz, who skipped this race in favor of the Wood Memorial (GI) next weekend.

Others in the nine-horse field that will attract some attention include recent allowance winner Chelokee, trained by Michael Matz and ridden by Ramon Dominguez; trainer Kenny McPeek made a late switch and entered Delta Jackpot (GIII) winner Birdbirdistheword, leaving Bold Start for next weekend's Illinois Derby (GII); and Imawildandcrazyguy, second and fourth in the Risen Star and Louisiana Derby (GII), respectively.

Completing the field for the Florida Derby are My Meadowview Stable's Boogie Boggs, ridden by Joe Bravo; and Bisnath Parboo's Johannesburg Star, Rajiv Maragh.