Handsome Mike 6-year-old was the darlin’ of the bettors in romp at Mahoning Valley

Darlindiva, who comes from Handsome Mike’s first crop, showed in her last race she was ready for a big effort after registering a sharp second at Mahoning Valley. That effort was responsible for her 1/2 price on the tote board yesterday in a one-mile race over a track labeled ‘good.’

The 6-year-old mare bred by Joe and Vivi Serena enjoyed a rocking-chair ride by Charlie Oliveros as she justified the bettors’ confidence, going wire-to-wire in 1:43.72, and paying just $3. Darlindiva raised her record to 5-4-7 in 30 starts, and added $7,085 to her bank account, increasing her career total to $64,228. With her 3 1/2-length victory, Darlindiva became winner No. 8 for her sire this year.