No problems for Neolithic colt in 2nd start

Neolithic edged closer to second place on Florida’s 2024 general sire list via the victory of Neoequos in a five-furlong, $63,600 maiden special at Gulfstream Park yesterday. It was the second start for the 2-year-old colt bred by Joe and Helen Barbazon in partnership with Matalona Thoroughbreds after his July 21 debut in which he was bumped leaving the gate and dumped rider Drayden Van Dyke. Ironically, the race was won by a Rogueish colt bred by the Barbazons, Ed Seltzer and Beverly Anderson.

For his second try, Neoequos had Miguel Vasquez in the irons, and the colt broke quickly from the No. 9 post. He then rushed up to vie for the lead while four wide, battled into the stretch with Macho Music, then drew off to defeat the 4/5 shot by 2 1/2 lengths. Neoequos was clocked in :58.55, paid $6.20, and earned a check for $45,000, which lifted Neolithic’s progeny earnings for the year to $1,698,069, less than $30,000 from second place. He became winner No. 34 for Neolithic in 2024.