R Harper Rose returned to sprinting on February 3 at Gulfstream Park, when she won the $145,000 Forward Gal Stakes (G3) after cutting back in distance from 1 & 1/16 miles.
Successful in her first three runs, including the seven-furlong FTBOA Florida Sire Susan’s Girl Stakes, when she won by four lengths. After suffering her first career defeat on October 21, 2023, R Harper Rose entered the Forward Gal on December 2, having finished second in the 1 1/16-mile FTBOA Florida Sire My Dear Girl Stakes. She showed off her usual speed that day, but was unable to maintain it through two rounds, weakening to finish two and a half lengths behind Honey Dijon.
Edgard Zayas, the winning jockey, stated that he rode R Harper Rose with patience because he was drawn outside the other speed in the race. “She could have been on the lead if I let her go,” he stated.
R Harper Rose won the Forward Gal and gained 20 qualifying points for the May 3 Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs; however, she is not interested in running the two-turn, 1 1/8-mile distance.
Saffie Joseph Jr., the trainer, continued, “This is it for her, one turn.” “We will not conduct any experiments. Although things didn’t work out the last time, we’re only going to give her one chance. She has numerous races to choose from at every bend.”
– Courtesy to TVG for the footage!
The Stations End 