Neolithic Nearing $6 Million in Earnings
Ater 20 starts in South Florida, resulting in three victories at Tampa Bay Downs and one at Gulfstream Park, Big Bucksalot made his next appearance in a new barn on Tuesday at Mahoning Valley – seven months later – and notched victory No. 5.
Now racing in the colors of owner/trainer Jay Bernardini, the 5-year-old gelding became Neolithic’s sixth January winner, and the check for $7,260 increased his sire’s career progeny earnings to $5,983,734, with $6 million a virtual certainty in a matter of days.
Angel Diaz was aboard for the Mahoning Valley score, which came in a race at six furlongs. Diaz sent Big Bucksalot up for the lead and they were in front after a quarter in :22.62. The gelding was pressed the rest of the way, and after posting a half in :45.53, he drew off late to win by 3 1/4 lengths, clocked in 1:11 flat and paying $5.80. He’s now 5-1-2 in 21 starts with earnings of $67,555.