Chicken Dance sends Neolithic to new heights

Neolithic’s first crop reached the races in 2021, and last year, with four crops performing, the son of Harlan’s Holiday enjoyed his best season, with his progeny earnings reaching $2,884,398. Over the weekend, with first-timer Chicken Dance leading the charge at Gulfstream Park, Neolithic is now well on his way to a $3 million season.

With Cipriano Gil in the saddle in the race at six furlongs, Chicken Dance was off in mid-pack, made a monster run coming to the turn and into the stretch, then flew by leader Don’t Go Astray as track announcer Pete Aiello bellowed, “Final eighth of a mile and Chicken Dance has taken a clear lead – let’s see your best Chicken Dance – he’s on his way to a 12-1 debut win – he wins by five.” (The chart maker called it 4 1/2).

The 2-year-old gelding owned and bred by veteran Ocala horseman Tom McCrocklin became Neolithic’s 48th winner of 2025. He was clocked in 1:13.55, paid $26.80 and earned a check for $14,400. And Neolithic’s progeny earnings jumped to $2,896,208.