Not This Time’s Nearly Rolls In Optional Claimer At Gulfstream

[Wandering Eyes]

Nearly (Not This Time), who could make the starting gate for the GIII Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park Jan. 31, was well-beaten on debut during the Belmont At The Big A meet Oct. 26. Shipping to South Florida to face state breds, the dark bay won by an eye-catching 9 1/4 lengths Nov. 22.

Tabbed as the 6-5 second choice after the pre-race scratch of intended favorite Mob (Gun Runner), Nearly was bumped hard by Confessional (Essential Quality) at the break, which put him several lengths behind coming on to the backstretch.

The 3-year-old did not show any signs that he was ready to throw in the towel as he sprinted to put a nose in front of his rival–the chalk–around the far turn. Firing down the lane, the colt announced his presence with authority and sailed home to clear the condition by five lengths over Confessional.

“Kind of a messy start but he was able to kind of settle after that and get in a good rhythm, made a good run and finished up well,” trainer Todd Pletcher said. “He's always trained [well].

“We were shocked he didn't run better in his debut than he did,” he said. “He just reacted very negatively to the kickback. I'm glad to have him regroup and show what he's capable of,” he added. “It seems like he's a little more professional each start. I liked the way he finished and we look forward to stretching him out.

“We know there's options almost every weekend all spring, so we'll talk to the Centennial guys and come up with a plan. He's 2-for-2 here at Gulfstream so you have to think about the Holy Bull,” Pletcher said. “If he needs a little more time, there's other options as well.”

The second to the races for his dam, the winner has a 2-year-old half-sister by Authentic and a yearling half-brother by Taiba. Ib Prospecting was not reported as bred for this season.

Nearly's second dam, MSW Stormy Frolic (Summer Squall), is a half-sister to GSW Super Frolic (Pine Bluff). She is responsible for MSW Frolic's Revenge (Vindication), who herself produced MSW & UAE-bound as of 2024 Drew's Gold (Violence).

8th-Gulfstream, $77,900, Alw (NW1$X)/Opt. Clm ($75,000), 1-2, 3yo, 7f, 1:22.88, ft, 5 lengths.
NEARLY (c, 3, Not This Time–Ib Prospecting, by Mineshaft)
Sales History: $350,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 3-2-0-0, $78,950. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.

O-Centennial Farms; B-Wind Hill Farm (FL); T-Todd A. Pletcher.

NEARLY ($4.60) overcomes a bumpy start and recovers under the hall-of-fame hands of jockey @ljlmvel to win Race 8 at @GulfstreamPark for @PletcherRacing and owner @Centennial_Farm.

Bet LIVE racing with @FanDuel https://t.co/D7Oyk4P0QQ pic.twitter.com/xQI9j9l0Qx

— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) January 2, 2026

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