Handsome Mike filly does what it takes again at Tampa

Do What It Takes did what it takes for the second time at the Tampa Bay Downs meeting yesterday, coming from five lengths back on the turn to score by nearly four lengths under Tomas Mejias.

The 4-year-old filly, bred in New York by Joe and Helen Barbazon, gave Handsome Mike his ninth winner of the young season, collecting a check for $6,180 while raising her record to 3-3-5 in 18 starts.

Do What It Takes broke on top in the six-furlong race and quickly dropped back to co-third while in the two-path down the backstretch. A powerful three-wide move on the turn brought her to even terms with the leader, and in the lane it was strictly no contest. Handsome Mike already has $147,259 in 2020 progeny earnings.