Published:
Friday, July 10, 2020
With five runners slated to compete today at four tracks, including the opener at Del Mar, by this evening First Dude is almost a cinch to pass the $1 million mark in progeny earnings for 2020.
That reality came closer to fruition yesterday with the maiden-breaking victory of First Angel in the third race at Thistledown. Erik Barbaran put the 3-year-old gelding on the lead at the outset, and First Angel led every step of the way, scoring by nearly two lengths in just his third career start. He paid $2.40 as the prohibitive favorite while becoming the 36th winner for First Dude this year, most among all Florida sires. He also became First Dude's 200th career winner.
The gelding bred by Good Beginnings Farm negotiated the 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:07.80 and earned a check for $6,000, raising First Dude's total to $993,330.