Handsome Mike fillies register sharp scores

After a series of winners by Handsome Mike that almost blew up several tote boards, the son of Scat Daddy toned it down yesterday with a pair of more down-to-earth payoffs. At Gulfstream Park, Marynmike became her sire’s 18th winner of 2019 and paid $12, while Naughty Me romped at Presque Isle later in the evening and became No. 19, paying $8.

Victor Lebron plotted the perfect trip for Marynmike, who entered the starting gate in the $40,000 maiden claimer at odds of 12-1. Less than two minutes later, the 3-year-old filly was coasting to the finish with the board reading 5-1. Lebron settled Marynmike into fifth on the rail early, and the duo never left the inside all the way to the wire. She scored by 2 1/4 lengths over even-money favorite Fled the Scene. The victory was worth $21,400 to owner/breeder Cedar Gate Farm.

In Pennsylvania, stakes-placed Naughty Me went wire-to-wire under Antonio Gallardo in a $33,000 allowance optional claimer at six furlongs, winning by 4 1/4 lengths under wraps. The 3-year-old filly bred by Beth Bayer recorded her third victory in nine career starts, and the $19,800 check raised her total to $85,400. She was clocked in a speedy 1:09.72.

Handsome Mike has had 12 runners visit the winner’s circle in the last five weeks.