To be specific: Neolithic is prolific

Neolithic retained his lead over Noble Bird in Florida’s freshman sire race via an eye-catching victory by first-timer Splenda Gail in a $32,000 maiden special weights test on the grass at Evangeline Downs last evening.

With Ty Kennedy in the irons, the filly bred by Joe and Helen Barbazon became winner No. 4 for Neolithic, two better than Noble Bird. She broke sharply from the No. 1 post, took the lead nearing the first quarter, which went in :22.33, and opened up daylight through a half in :46.92. She was never challenged throughout and coasted to the wire in front by 4 1/4 comfortable lengths, clocked in :57.53 for the five furlongs.

Splenda Gail earned a check for $16,800 and lifted Neolithic’s total to $114,750. With just six starters, the son of Harlan’s Holiday has a batting average of 66.6 percent, and all four of his winners have scored in their first start.