Albaugh Family Stables’ On Time Girl sharpened her preparation for the Gulfstream Park Oaks with a measured half-mile breeze on Friday, keeping her firmly on course for a potential start in the $275,000 feature for three-year-old fillies on March 28.
Trained by Brad Cox, the progressive filly covered the distance in 50 seconds over a fast track at Payson Park, her first serious move since finishing third as the favourite in the one-mile Davona Dale (G2) late last month. The work suggested she has held her condition well and remains a leading contender for the Gulfstream Park Oaks, a key stepping stone on the road to the spring’s premier contests for her division.
First staged in 1971, the race is contested over 1 1/16 miles and offers valuable qualifying points toward the Kentucky Oaks (G1), with 100 points awarded to the winner. It forms part of a high-profile programme featuring ten stakes races, including five at graded level, headlined by the Curlin Florida Derby (G1).
A daughter of Not This Time, On Time Girl has built a consistent record, finishing in the top three in all six career starts. Four of those outings have resulted in victory, including the Fern Creek over 6 ½ furlongs last autumn and the seven-furlong Forward Gal (G3), which marked her seasonal return in impressive fashion. Her ability to maintain form across distances adds further intrigue ahead of the Gulfstream Park Oaks.
Strong Supporting Cast on Florida Derby Work Tab
Friday’s activity also included several notable workers targeting the Florida Derby programme. Among them was Further Ado, who clocked 49.80 seconds for four furlongs. A winner of the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) last season, he most recently finished second in the Tampa Bay Derby (G3) and remains under consideration for a start among a large group of nominees.
Courting, trained by Todd Pletcher, recorded five furlongs in 1:01.80 at Palm Beach Downs. The colt, who broke his maiden over a mile last year, was last seen finishing sixth in the Risen Star (G2). Redland Rebels also turned in a five-furlong move in 1:01.90, while Moonstrocity covered six furlongs in 1:14.34 as connections continue to search for a breakthrough performance.
On the filly side, Haute Diva, another possible runner for the Gulfstream Park Oaks, worked five furlongs in 1:01.05. She captured the Cash Run Stakes earlier in the year before finishing fifth in the Davona Dale.
Entries for the Florida Derby Day programme are set to be finalised with the draw scheduled for Saturday afternoon.
Elsewhere on the card, attention will also turn to a competitive supporting programme, including the Texas Glitter Stakes for three-year-olds over five furlongs on turf. Intricate Spirit heads the early market after a smart juvenile season, while the unbeaten Arbiter adds further depth to the field.
Racing resumes Saturday with a 12-race card, where several established performers and emerging prospects are set to feature across a varied programme.
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