Two more winners for Handsome Mike and a breeder’s award for Pleasant Acres

Handsome Mike added two more winners to his ledger yesterday, with Gran Greyfrost becoming No. 21 for the stallion this year in the afternoon at Gulfstream Park, and Handsome Lil J J making it 22 later in the evening at Charles Town Racing and Slots.

In a one-mile race that was originally slated for the grass, Gran Greyfrost battled for the lead throughout under Sammy Camacho, took the lead in the stretch and held on stubbornly to the wire to win by a neck. The 3-year-old stakes-placed colt earned $17,560 for his second victory, raising his total to $68,440, and garnered a breeder’s award for Joe and Helen Barbazon.

After a good beginning racing 4 1/2 furlongs in a $23,000 maiden special, Handsome Lil J J sat third with Reshawn Latchman until the turn, moved wide for the drive and was up in time to win by a neck despite nearly running out of ground down the short Charles Town stretch. The 3-year-old colt bred by Waldorf Farm paid a generous $33.20, and earned $13,740. Handsome Mike’s 22 winners are just one behind the leader among Florida’s second-crop sires.