Handsome Mike retires to Pleasant Acres Stallions in Florida

Grade 2 winner Handsome Mike has been retired from racing and will make his debut at stud in 2015 at Pleasant Acres Stallions in Morriston, Fla., for an advertised fee of $4,000.

The 5-year-old son of Scat Daddy finished his on-track career with three wins in 30 career starts for earnings of $1,005,413 racing for owner Reddam Racing and trainer Doug O’Neill. Handsome Mike’s campaign was highlighted by wins in the Grade 2 Pennsylvania Derby on dirt and the Grade 3 Commonwealth Stakes over a synthetic surface.

He was also graded-placed on dirt, turf, and synthetic, finishing in the money in the Grade 2 Del Mar Mile Handicap, which was his final start, as well as the Grade 3 Precisionist Stakes, Generous Stakes, El Camino Real Derby, San Simeon Stakes, and Vernon O. Underwood Stakes.

Bred in Kentucky by John Liviakis, Handsome Mike was initially campaigned as a homebred for his first three starts, including a runner-up finish in the Generous Stakes, before being purchased privately by owner J. Paul Reddam.

Handsome Mike is out of the winning Smart Strike mare Classic Strike, who is the dam of three winners from as many foals to race. He is from the family of Grade 2 winners Ruby’s Reception and Connie’s Gift, as well as Grade 3-winning third dam Court Hostess.