Neoequos 2nd in $400,000, Gr. III Sexton Mile

Irad Ortiz Jr. enjoyed a dream trip aboard Neoequos in the $400,000, Gr. III Steve Sexton Mile at Lone Star Park, achieving an impressive 113 Equibase ‘E’ speed figure. Unfortunately, the 4-year-old colt bred by Joe and Helen Barbazon in partnership with Matalona Thoroughbreds, was unable to hold off Heroic Move, who came from last place and closed like a cyclone to nail Neolithic’s leading money-winner nearing the wire, and going on to win by 1 1/2 lengths in 1:36.92.

Ortiz settled Neoequos into third place on the inside down the backstretch, and went after the leaders on the turn without leaving the rail. He took the lead in mid-stretch and appeared to be on his way to the winner’s circle, but Heroic Move proved to be too heroic.

Neoequos, a $22,000 OBS October yearling, earned a healthy $75,200 as runner-up, ballooning his career total to $624,425 on a record of 4-4-3 in 15 starts, $166,875 coming this year from just three outings: (1-1-1).