Centennial Farms’ promising 3-year-old colt Practically could have punched his ticket to the $250,000 Holy Bull Stakes (G3) Jan. 31, placing away favored Confessional in midstretch and pulling clear to a 5-length victory in a first-level allowance non-obligatory claiming race Jan. 2 at Gulfstream Park.
The son of Not This Time , a $350,000 buy from the Denali Stud consignment to the 2024 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, coated 7 furlongs over a quick predominant observe beneath Corridor of Fame jockey John Velazquez in 1:22.88 to register his second straight victory at Gulfstream following a dominant 9 1/4-length conquer fellow Florida-breds sprinting 6 furlongs Nov. 22. He paid $4.60 to his backers for his victory over three opponents.
Standing aspect by aspect with Confessional within the beginning gate, Practically overcame a bump on the break with that rival to settle within the clear 4 broad in fourth as Blame Yasself led by a quarter-mile in :22.82 pressed to his exterior by Confessional. Practically moved up alongside Confessional after a half in :46.59, they usually straightened for dwelling collectively, briefly participating earlier than Practically edged away.
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“Sort of a messy begin however he was in a position to form of settle after that and get in a superb rhythm, made a superb run and completed up nicely,” profitable Corridor of Fame coach Todd Pletcher mentioned. “He is all the time educated (nicely).Join BloodHorse Day by day
“We had been shocked he did not run higher in his debut than he did (when sixth at Aqueduct). He simply reacted very negatively to the kickback. I am glad to have him regroup and present what he is able to,” he added. “It looks like he is a bit extra skilled every begin. I preferred the way in which he completed, and we sit up for stretching him out.”
Following Confessional beneath the wire had been Timeless Victory and Blame Yasself. Mob , the 9-5 program favourite that received his lone begin Nov. 23; Vost , third within the Sept. 13 Iroquois Stakes (G3); and maiden winners Into the Beast and Prost had been scratched.
Bred by Wind Hill Farm in Florida, Practically is out of the Mineshaft mare Ib Prospecting , whose two wins every got here at 6 furlongs.
Practically may return to Gulfstream within the 1 1/16-mile Holy Bull, the second of three native prep races on the highway to the $1 million Florida Derby (G1) March 28. The opposite main stakes race for 3-year-olds on filth is the $400,000 Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) at 1 1/16 miles Feb. 28.
“We all know there’s choices nearly each weekend all spring, so we’ll discuss to the Centennial guys and give you a plan. He is 2-for-2 right here at Gulfstream, so you need to take into consideration the Holy Bull,” Pletcher mentioned. “If he wants a bit extra time, there’s different choices as nicely.”
This press launch has been edited for content material and magnificence by BloodHorse Workers.
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