Centennial Farms’ talented 3-year-old colt Nearly continued his meteoric rise at Gulfstream Park on Friday, claiming a decisive victory over favored Confessional and signaling a likely step toward next month’s $250,000 Holy Bull (G3). With a performance that blended tactical precision and raw speed, Nearly covered seven furlongs over a fast main track under Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez in 1:22.88, marking his second straight win at the South Florida track.
Breaking slightly awkwardly alongside Confessional, Nearly quickly recovered to settle four wide in fourth, trailing the early leader Blame Yasself through a brisk quarter-mile in 22.82 seconds. After half a mile in 46.59 seconds, Nearly advanced alongside Confessional, gradually pulling away in the stretch to secure a commanding victory. “Kind of a messy start, but he settled into a good rhythm and finished strongly,” said trainer Todd Pletcher. “He’s becoming more professional with each race, and we look forward to stretching him out.”
Finishing behind Confessional were Timeless Victory and Blame Yasself. The program favorite Mob, along with Vost, Into the Beast, and Prost, were scratched from the field. With this win, Nearly remains unbeaten at Gulfstream, his previous start a nine-and-a-quarter-length romp over fellow Florida-breds at six furlongs on November 22.
Looking ahead, Nearly could return to Gulfstream Park for the 1 1/16-mile Holy Bull, the second of three key local preps leading to the $1 million Curlin Florida Derby (G1) on March 28. “There are options nearly every weekend this spring,” Pletcher noted. “Given his two-for-two record here, the Holy Bull seems a natural next step, but we’ll plan carefully.”
The day also featured Pegasus World Cup Day hopefuls working at Palm Meadows. Among them, Skippylongstocking, In Our Time, Movin’ On Up, and Ramsey Pond completed breezes over three furlongs. Meanwhile, Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher sent out Grade 1-placed Captain Cook and multiple graded-stakes winner Major Dude at Palm Beach Downs, both on Pegasus watchlists. Brad Cox’s undefeated Disco Time also impressed with a five-furlong breeze.
Saturday’s Rainbow 6 sequence will highlight six races including the $175,000 Mucho Macho Man and $175,000 Ginger Brew for 3-year-olds, with estimated pools topping $325,000. Top contenders in the Ginger Brew include Spirit Doll and Sister Troienne, while the Mucho Macho Man could showcase rising 3-year-old talents such as Commandment, Epic Summer, and Thunder Chuck.
Gulfstream Park race results 2 January illustrate the blend of experience and emerging talent shaping the season. From Nearly’s commanding win to the impressive workouts of Pegasus invitees, the scene is set for an exciting winter of racing in South Florida. For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to RaceBuzz.