Handsome Mike celebrates with 2 holiday winners

Four was the optimum post position yesterday as Handsome Mike picked up two impressive maiden winners and lifted his total to seven, good for a tie for second among Florida’s freshman sires.

At Gulfstream West, Gran Greyfrost left from No. 4 and received the perfect stalking ride from Emisael Jaramillo, who settled the colt into mid-pack along the rail early in the mile race on the grass. Jaramillo slipped him through on the inside down the backstretch, went after the leader on the turn, and after a long, two-horse battle down the lane, the Handsome Mike colt proved best by a neck. Gran Greyfrost, who was sent off as the 9/5 favorite, collected a check of $23,650, plus a breeders’ award for Pleasant Acres’ owners Joe and Helen Barbazon. 

From her No. 4 post at Delta Downs, Naughty Me shot to the lead under Rohan Singh and led every step of the way in the 7 1/2-furlong maiden special. When challenged at the top of the stretch, she drew off with authority and won by nearly four lengths. The filly bred by Beth Bayer paid $7.40 as favorite and earned $21,000 for her strong performance.