Handsome Mike filly leaves no room for doubt

In her last start on July 20, Carletta led every step of the way but the last, and missed breaking her maiden by a head. At Louisiana Downs yesterday, the 4-year-old Handsome Mike filly made sure there would be no repeat of that result.

With Emanuel Nieves aboard, 1/2 Carletta shot to the lead at the break in the 5 1/2-furlong race and opened up by two lengths after a quarter, four after three-eighths, and six in the stretch before extending it to 11 at the wire without working up a sweat. She became winner No. 26 for Handsome Mike this year and the victory was worth $5,100 to owner/breeder Carl Helmandollar.