Neolithic’s monster Saturday began early in the day

On the day when Prevent, Private Thoughts and Brawn gave Neolithic a rare trifecta in the $100,000 Sabal Palm Handicap at Gulfstream Park, the table had been set earlier on the card when If Not for Luck won the second race and Ababajoni the fourth.

IF NOT FOR LUCK – The 6-year-old horse bred by Juan Rodriguez came from about six lengths off the pace in the test at five furlongs over the Tapeta course and was up by a neck at the wire with Micah Husbands riding. Sold as a yearling at OBS for $35,000, then bringing the same price as a 2-year-old, If Not for Luck raised his record to 5-2-7 in 20 starts, and the check for $16,000 boosted his career total to $212,470.

If Not for Luck benefited from a swift early pace of :21.47 and :43.95, and paid $8 after getting the distance in :55.82.

ABABAJONI – In his career debut under Anthony Thomas, the 2-year-old colt bred by Hallmarc Stallions battled for the lead early (:22.28) in the 5 1/2-furlong test over the Tapeta surface, took over going to the three-eighths, and lasted by a head, clocked in 1:03.3. The $30,000 OBS April 2-year-old collected $27,000 for owner/trainer Rohan Crichton.