Handsome Mike up to No. 9 on Florida sire list

Handsome Mike moved up one place on Florida’s leading sire list – from 10th to ninth – with the victories yesterday of Tiz Handsome at Monmouth Park and Big Cyn at Finger Lakes. With the $28,500 earned by Tiz Handsome and the $12,660 by Big Cyn, Handsome Mike’s progeny earnings for 2020 jumped to $1,066,108.

Tiz Handsome was making just his second start in the six-furlong maiden special with a purse of $49,125. The 2-year-old colt was off second under Chris DeCarlo, took over the lead after half a mile, and continued on to win by nearly two lengths. He paid $18.80 after getting the distance in 1:12.04 and becoming Handsome Mike’s 33rd winner this year.

In a $21,100 allowance test, Big Cyn vied for the lead along the rail before taking over by herself on the final turn. Kevin Navarro guided her to a six-length lead in the stretch, and she coasted home to score by two in 1:45.65 for the mile and 70 yards, paying $13. In her last six starts, the 3-year-old New York-bred filly has recorded three victories and two thirds for owner/breeder Patricia Generazio.