Neoequos captures $75,000 Sunshine Turf at Gulfstream, passes $500,000 mark

Six races after Chicken Dance became Neolithic’s fifth January winner at Gulfstream Park, Neoequos became No. 6, at the same time becoming his first black-type winner of 2026.

NEOEQUOS – The 4-year-old colt bred by Joe and Helen Barbazon in partnership with Matalona Thoroughbreds captured the $75,000 Sunshine Turf Stakes in his 13th start, and first try over the grass.

Tyler Gaffalione was aboard the $22,000 OBS October yearling and took him out quickly, settling into third place in the three path. They stalked the pace down the backstretch, then went after the two pace-setters into the lane, proving best by two lengths at the wire. Neoequos was clocked in 1:40.36 for the 1 1/16 miles over the turf course and paid $13. Neolithic’s biggest money-winner, he earned an Equibase ‘E’ speed figure of 98 and a check for $44,250, raising his total to $501,725 on a record of 4-3-2 in his 13 races.

CHICKEN DANCE – Owned and bred by one of Pleasant Acres most successful clients, Tom McCrocklin, the 3-year-old gelding is now 2-for-2 after his victory in a $35,000 starter optional claimer at six furlongs. Ridden by Micah Husbands, Chicken Dance won by a nose in 1:11.55, paid $6.40, and collected $20,700, boosting his two-race take to $35,100.