Neolithic closing in on best year

Neolithic is getting closer to eclipsing last year’s first million-dollar season, and he’s moved into third place on the list of Florida’s leading active sires of 2024. After the victory of Neon Sign at Penn National, the son of Harlan Holiday’s progeny earnings stand at $1,368,277, and at his current pace, it won’t be long before he passes 2023’s high of $1,422,736.

With Inoel Beato in the saddle, Neon Sign broke on top in the race at six furlongs, then was eased back to fourth along the inside heading down the backstretch. Coming to the turn, Beato edged the 4-year-old gelding closer to the leaders while still on the inside, then swung him out to the two path for the stretch run. He closed with a rush and won by two lengths, clocked in 1:11.13, giving him two victories in his last three starts. He received an Equibase ‘E’ speed figure of 87, eight points higher than his former best of 79, which he received for his May 22 score.

Overall, the $15,000 OBS June 2-year-old bred by Southern Comfort Farm is 4-2-0 in 14 starts, and the winner’s check of $12,600 lifted his career total to $68,235.