Claret Beret became Not This Time’s newest graded stakes winner with a commanding performance in Saturday’s Royal Delta S. (G3) at Gulfstream Park, drawing off to a five-length victory in the 1 1/16-mile race for fillies and mares.
The 5-year-old mare, who has been graded stakes-placed on a pair of occasions, is the 37th lifetime graded winner for Not This Time. Off to a hot start once again this year, Not This Time has accounted for Holy Bull S. (G3) winner Nearly and Forward Gal S. (G3) winner On Time Girl in the first month of the new year.
Breaking from the outside in the field of seven, Claret Beret made her way into fourth as the field made its way to the backstretch. The bay held her spot through six furlongs, then made a bold three-wide move for the lead on the far turn. She came into the stretch with a full head of steam and rolled through the lane to win with authority.
“You could probably consider a race like the Apple Blossom (G1, at Oaklawn Park) off of this performance,” trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. said. “I think it’s definitely worth a shot.”
Claret Beret is owned by Miller Racing LLC and is now 6-1-3 in 18 starts and has earned $440,834. Claret Beret was bred by Mitch Haynes in Kentucky and sold for $375,000 at the 2022 Keeneland September sale.
