Gulfstream 2-year-olds taught a lesson by Neolothic’s first starter

The English translation of the Spanish term “El Profe” is “The Professor,” and Neolithic’s first starter, the 2-year-old colt El Profe, certainly taught his six rivals a lesson in yesterday’s second race at Gulfstream Park.

El Profe came into his debut in the $50,000 maiden claiming race with a good workout tab, including a :47.09 4-furlong breeze from the gate at Gulfstream on May 14, second best among 36 who worked at the distance that day. He was sent off as the 4-1 third choice in the 5-furlong race with apprentice Gaddiel Martinez in the irons.

Martinez shot El Profe to the lead from the No. 3 post, and the colt opened up a 3-length lead after a quarter in :22.56. From there, he was never seriously threatened, holding off three minor challenges at the top of the stretch, and winning by 1 1/4 lengths in 1:00.51.

El Profe, bred by his trainer, Angel Hernandez, in partnership with Jose Perez, paid $10 and earned a check for $28,550.