Neoequos finishes third in Gr. II Fountain of Youth

At odds of 14-1, Neoequos led for more than three-quarters of a mile in the Gr. II, $415,000 Coolmore Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park on Saturday, then held on to finish third, less than three lengths behind winner Sovereignty and runner-up River Thames.

The 3-year-old Neolithic colt bred by Joe and Helen Barbazon and Matalona Thoroughbreds collected a check for $41,250, which increased his earnings to $179,050. After losing his rider in his career debut last July, Neoequos has posted a record of 2-2-1 in five starts, including seconds in both the Dr. Fager and Affirmed stakes. He was a $22,000 OBS October yearling.

At odds of 14-1, highest in the field, Irad Ortiz Jr. took Neoequos away quickly from the No. 7 post, and he took the lead in a :23.12 quarter with River Thames glued to his side. They continued that way through fractions of :47.07 and 1:10.68 and into the stretch before Neoequos tired to finish third.