Neolithic 2yo impresses in Gulfstream debut

After enjoying a highly successful month of August, Neolithic began September on a high note with the convincing victory of first-time starter Private Thoughts at Gulfstream yesterday.

The 2-year-old gelding bred by Joe and Helen Barbazon was an $11,000 OBS March 2-year-old. He is owned by former Gulfstream Park and Hialeah Park attorney David Romanik and his trainer, Ron Spatz, and was sent off at 9-1 in the $50,000 maiden special at six furlongs. Romanik was the co-owner of multiple Gr. I winner Caltech, an earner of more than $700,000 in the 1980s.

Leonel Reyes sent Private Thoughts through on the inside down the backstretch and he battled on the lead past a quarter in :23.06 and a half in :47.01 before leaving his challengers behind and sprinting off to a 2 1/4-length victory in 1:12.42. In becoming the 21st winner for Neolithic in 2023, he paid $20.80 and earned a healthy check for $34,000.

Neolithic’s progeny earnings for the year jumped to $710,746 despite his having just 44 starters.