Flawless Cat is Neolithic’s 33rd winner

Flawless Cat won a six-furlong test at Thistledown yesterday and gave Neolithic another statistical distinction. Aside from closing the gap on second place among Florida’s active sires for 2024, the 4-year-old gelding bred by Joe and Helen Barbazon became his sire’s 33rd winner from 65 starters this year, for a percentage of 50.7. He’s the only stallion in the top 15 over 50 percent.

Luis Rivera was aboard Flawless Cat, who was bumped leaving the gate and off last. Rivera quickly sent him up three wide, and the gelding went after the pace-setters on the turn. He took the lead entering the stretch and coasted to the wire, winning by three-quarters of a length in 1:12.66. After finishing second in his previous start, Flawless Cat went off at 6/5 and paid $4.60. He collected a check for $8,100, lifting his career total to $56,730 on a record of 2-1-3 in 17 starts.