Platinum Rocker lights up the board at Gulfstream Park

After Platinum Rocker had led every step of the way until the top of the stretch in the fifth race at Gulfstream on Friday, the 3-year-old Neolithic filly lost the lead to House of Melody as they headed for home. But Miguel Vasquez, who never gives an inch, kept her just inside her only rival and she battled back gamely while announcer Pete Aiello screamed into the microphone, “Platinum Rocker’s coming back now and she’s 45-1!”

At the wire, Platinum Rocker was half a length in front in a time of 1:36.99 for the one mile over the turf course. She earned a check for $19,200 and the 45-1 payoff Aiello referred to turned out to be a juicy $96.80. It was the first victory in seven starts for the filly bred at Flamingo Farm by retired 93-year-old dentist Cornelius (Sonny) Link and his late wife, Doris.

Platinum Rocker, a $20,000 OBS June 2-year-old, became winner No. 13 for Neolithic since Jan. 1 and the stallion is tied for second in that category among Florida’s general sires behind the 16 of leader Khozan. Neolithic is currently fifth on the list with progeny earnings of $313,814, less than $4,000 from fourth.