Centennial Farm’s Neary was getting accustomed to Oats during a Sunday morning workout at Palm Beach Downs, following an impressive 5-3/4 length triumph in Saturday’s $275,000 Holy Bull (G3) at Gulfstream Park. Trainer Todd Pletcher reported that Neary “came back well” and appeared to be in good condition after the race.
Neary made his first stakes start and two-turn race at 1 1/16 miles for 3-year-olds, establishing himself as a leading candidate for this year’s Kentucky Derby (G1). He challenged the early pace set by the 3-2 favorite Cannonier heading into the stretch and then pulled away to secure his third consecutive victory at Gulfstream. Pletcher praised the performance, noting Neary maintained strong cruising speed and handled the added distance and the double turn as expected.
Ridden by jockey John Velazquez, the 8-5 second choice, a Not This Time progeny, rebounded sharply from a disappointing sixth-place debut at Aqueduct in late October, following that with a commanding 14 1/4-length win at Gulfstream. Pletcher mentioned they would wait before making decisions about Neary’s next step, acknowledging Saturday was his third race in a short span, and emphasized the importance of the recent two-turn experience.
Given Neary’s frequent racing at Gulfstream, his team is leaning toward aiming for the $1 million Curlin Florida Derby (G1) on March 28 instead of the $400,000 Fountain of Youth (G2) on February 28. “The Florida Derby seems the logical target because he is 3-for-3 at Gulfstream,” Pletcher said, adding that Neary’s recovery will influence the final plan. Pletcher has an accomplished record, having trained eight Florida Derby winners, including Audible, the 2018 Holy Bull winner who also placed third in that year’s Kentucky Derby.
Bravalo, runner-up in the Holy Bull, is expected to compete next in the Fountain of Youth, according to his trainer Safi Joseph Jr. The New York-bred son of Upstart, who pressed the pace and finished second by 2 3/4 lengths ahead of Project Ace, has remained inactive since his October 25 victory at Sleepy Hollow. Joseph was pleased with Bravalo’s return to form after the layoff, calling him a “very good horse” expected to improve.
Bravalo’s sire Upstart won the 2015 Holy Bull and finished second in both the Fountain of Youth and Florida Derby. Joseph also mentioned the possibility of having jockey Solitude Dude, owned by Chris Fountukis, join Bravalo in the Fountain of Youth after Solitude Dude won by three lengths in a seven-furlong race at the Swale Stakes. However, questions remain about Solitude Dude’s stamina for longer distances, although Joseph acknowledged his high talent level.
This article was originally published by Paulick Report on February 1, 2026.
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Fan Take: Neary’s dominant performance and promising two-turn experience are exciting signs for fans eyeing the 2026 Kentucky Derby field. With strong connections and a logical path through the Florida Derby, Neary could become a major contender, signaling another thrilling season ahead for American Thoroughbred racing.
