Neolithic and Bucchero are blazing

The August surge by Pleasant Acres’ stallions continued in full force Saturday with 2-year-old first-time starters by Neolithic and Bucchero scoring at very different wagering levels.

GULFSTREAM PARK – Brawn, whose morning trials didn’t reveal a hint to his ability, lit up the tote board at $62.20 in a $58,000 maiden special at a mile and 70 yards over the Tapeta surface. Jesus Rios rated Brawn comfortably on the rail down the backstretch, and the colt owned and bred by Just For Fun Stable ran down the two leaders late, closing a four-length gap and winning by three-quarters of a length. He became Neolithic’s 18th winner of 2023 and earned a healthy check for $41,000.

BELTERRA – On the other end of the spectrum, Fairhopecurly, who showed a bullet work of :47.40 for four furlongs at Turfway on her work tab, was sent off at 7/5 in a $16,200 maiden special and justified the bettors’ confidence. With Victor Lebron aboard, she drove past 7-1 shot Anoria down the lane and prevailed by nearly two lengths in :58.70 for five furlongs on the grass. The filly owned and bred by Scott Herbertson paid $4.80, earned $9,700, and is Bucchero’s 28th winner this year, fifth of the 2-year-old variety.