Nearly

Nearly earned his maiden win in his second lifetime start as a 2-year-old in a six-furlong state-bred maiden race at Gulfstream Park on Nov. 22, 2025. He added a second win versus allowance optional claiming company going seven furlongs at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 2, 2026, dominating a four-horse field by five lengths.

Nearly entered stakes company for the first time in the Grade 3 $267,500 Holy Bull Stakes going 1 1/16 miles at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 31, 2026, and added his name to the list of early Kentucky Derby contenders with an impressive 5 3/4-length victory atop a six-horse field. Sent off as the 1.70-1 second choice on the tote board in the Holy Bull, Nearly shrugged off a demanding trip after dueling for the lead with Cannoneer and established a clear lead at the top of the stretch and lengthened his winning margin late under jockey John Velazquez. The Holy Bull was an official prep race on the Road to the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve, and with his win he earned 20 qualifying points.

Nearly made his next start in the $1 million Grade 1 Florida Derby going 1 1/8 miles at Gulfstream Park on March 28. Sent off as the 7-5 favorite in a six-horse field in the Florida Derby, Nearly pressed the pace all the way but got swollowed up in the stretch by Commandment, The Puma, and Chief Wallabee and had to settle for fourth. Nearly earned 15 points toward a possible start in the Kentucky Derby for a total of 35.

Nearly is trained by Todd Pletcher. He was bred in Florida by the sire Not This Time out of the mare Ib Prospecting by Mineshaft.