Neolithic gelding is a neophyte in name only – and lights up the board

Neophyte, the talented 6-year-old Neolithic gelding, has made 36 starts in his long career, 33 of them coming at Gulfstream Park and the other three at Woodbine, in Canada. The 33 Florida races have resulted in a treasure trove of breeder’s awards for Dr. Robert Kitos and his wife, Belinda, owners of Southern Cross Farm (SCF). They have collected no less than 20 awards: five for firsts (12.5%), seven for seconds (5%) and eight for thirds (2.5%).

The latest score came in a 5 1/2-furlong test over the Tapeta surface with Heriberto Figueroa in the irons. Neophyte engaged in a cavalry charge out of the gate, and after a first quarter in :22.23, left the others behind on the turn. He put up :45.74 for the half, widened the lead in the stretch, and reached the wire 3 1/2 lengths in front, clocked in 1:04.12. He earned a check for $16,600, lifting his career bank account to $176,797, and despite his record, paid a whopping $72.20.