‘Invisible’ Beta Max posts $19.20 surprise

Betamax cassettes have become virtually invisible these days, and the unique condition rubbed off on the 3-year-old Beta Max, who broke his maiden in the 10th race at Gulfstream West yesterday and became winner No. 24 this year for red-hot Treasure Beach.

With Miguel Vasquez aboard, Beta Max was off sixth in the 7 1/2-furlong turf race, and remained there down the backstretch and heading into the final turn. When Vasquez stepped on the gas, the gelding inhaled the four horses vying for the lead in a matter of seconds and he turned into the lane on top, despite the fact that the track announcer subbing for Pete Aiello treated him like he wasn’t there. The sub didn’t pick up Beta Max until about 100 yards from the wire, and by that time the race was over as he cruised to a seven-length victory, worth $10,400.

Many miles away, at Hawthorne, Handsome Mike gained his fifth winner when first-timer Smart Daddy went virtually wire-to-wire under Edgar Perez in a $20,000 maiden special at six furlongs. The 2-year-old colt bred by Joe and Helen Barbazon posted sizzling fractions of :21.71, :45.38 and :58.16 en route to victory by 3 3/4 lengths and a final clocking of 1:11.65. Smart Daddy paid $19.20 in his debut and collected $12,000 for the score.