Martinez hangs on – and Big Cyn rolls at Big A

The last time Joey Martinez hopped aboard Big Cyn – at Aqueduct on Jan. 17 – the New York-bred daughter of Handsome Mike ducked in leaving the gate and unceremoniously dumped the rider onto the track.

There was no such problem at the Big A yesterday as Martinez guided Big Cyn to her maiden-breaking victory in her sixth career start. Possibly scared off by her actions in her previous race, the bettors let the 3-year-old filly get away at odds of 14-1, and it turned out to be a major mistake, for them.

Martinez settled Big Cyn in mid-pack down the backstretch in the six-furlong race, moved her wide on the turn, and the filly left the field behind en route to a 1 1/2-length score. The victory was worth $18,150 to owner/breeder Patricia Generazio, and $30.60 to the bettors.

Handsome Mike now has 10 winners this season and is in a battle for the Florida lead in that category. His progeny earnings of $165,964 ranks him ninth among Florida’s active sires.