Nearly dazzles in Holy Bull; On Time Girl earns first Oaks points in Forward Gal

Jan 31, 2026 James Scully

Nearly wins the Holy Bull at Gulfstream Park. (Photo by Coglainese Photo)

Following the recent announcement undefeated champion Ted Noffey will miss the Kentucky Derby (G1), Nearly delivered a spectacular victory in Saturday’s $267,500 Holy Bull (G3) to rejuvenate spirits in Todd Pletcher’s stable.

John Velazquez rides the exciting three-year-old colt for owner Centennial Farms, and Nearly made his stakes debut following smashing wins over maiden rivals in late November and entry-level allowance opponents in early January.

The first of three Road to the Kentucky Derby Challenge series qualifiers at Gulfstream Park in 2026, the 1 1/16-mile Holy Bull awarded points on a 20-10-6-4-2 scale to the top five finishers.

Nearly owns the right connections for the Kentucky Derby, with Velazquez winning the Run for the Roses thrice and Pletcher twice. The son of Not This Time confirmed himself as a serious contender when stopping the Holy Bull teletimer in 1:44.52.

Off as the 1,70-1 second choice in the six-horse field, Nearly contested the early pace with 3-2 favorite Cannoneer and began to edge away while rounding the far turn, reaching the top of the stretch with a 1 1/2-length advantage. And he impressively widened his margin in the latter stages, scoring by 5 3/4 lengths.

Bravaro offered a nice run for second, 2 3/4 lengths better than deep-closing Project Ace in third. Cannoneer weakened to fourth, and Global Aviator and Incredibolt rounded out the order.

Two races earlier in the $150,000 Forward Gal (G3), On Time Girl made her first attempt at a Road to the Kentucky Oaks qualifier a winning one, closing boldly to win going away by three lengths. Brad Cox trains the up-and-coming daughter of Not This Time for owner/breeder Albaugh Family Stables, and Irad Ortiz Jr. guided the bay filly through seven furlongs in 1:24.59.

On Time Girl has now won four of five starts, the lone setback being a runner-up finish versus stakes rivals in October, and she previously recorded a convincing win in the 6 1/2-furlong Fern Creek S. at Churchill Downs on Nov. 29.

Favored at 1.10-1, On Time Girl picked up 20 Kentucky Oaks qualifying points. Imperatrice, who advanced to the lead on the far turn and was overhauled in midstretch by On Time Girl, held second by a neck over Sneaky Good. Hollen Drive and Mythical came next in fourth and fifth, with the second-through-fifth place finishers receiving points on a 10-6-4-2 basis.