Handsome Prince breaks his maiden under heads-up ride by Trejos

With two superior rides aboard Handsome Prince, Joseph Trejos has helped stamp himself as arguably the most promising South Florida apprentice since Tyler Gaffalione arrived on the scene several years ago.

After steering the 3-year-old son of Handsome Mike to a sharp second-place finish in his first try aboard the gelding in April, Trejos showed he understands more than most how to negotiate the Gulfstream Park oval by guiding Handsome Prince to his maiden-breaking score yesterday at odds of 7-1.

Trejos settled Handsome Prince into fifth place early in the six-furlong test, about four or five lengths behind the leaders, then let him loose on the turn after a half in a quick :45.50. Nearing the top of the stretch, the young rider yanked his horse to the rail and from there it became no contest. Handsome Prince shot through the opening and coasted down the lane, winning by nearly two lengths in 1:11.28.

The Just For Fun Stable gelding earned $15,380 for his first victory, paid $16.20, and became Handsome Mike’s 20th winner of 2020.