La Flamenca dances to wire-to-wire score at Gulfstream

Handsome Mike gained his 12th winner of the 2020 season plus his first repeat winner when La Flamenca scored at Gulfstream Park yesterday and Slammin’ Mike went back-to-back at Delta Downs.

La Flamenca was sent off as the even-money favorite racing a flat mile under Paco Lopez due to second and third-place finishes in her previous two races. Lopez put her on the lead early and the 3-year-old filly went wire-to-wire to break her maiden in her 10th try, scoring by one length and earning a check for $12,800.

Slammin’ Mike came right back from an 8 1/4-length victory on Jan. 29 to win his latest under Devin Magnon by 3 1/2 under highweight of 123 pounds. It was the third career victory for the 4-year-old gelding bred by Shade Tree Thoroughbreds; he paid $13.40 and collected a check for $8,400.

Handsome Mike’s progeny earnings since Jan. 1 have reached $213,659, 11th best on Florida’s leading sire list, but less than $6,000 away from eighth place.