The chart on this page detailing First Dude’s top runners points out how many are still highly competitive at the ages of seven and eight.

    Gio Sammy is nowhere near as accomplished in the earnings department as those on the list, but the 5-year-old gelding has been campaigning in Ohio, where the purses can’t compete with New York, Florida and California and several other states. But there’s no doubt he’s getting better with age.

    Gio Sammy won at Thistledown yesterday under Fernando Salazar Becerra, for his fifth victory. He rallied from fourth place on the final turn and drew off easily in the closing yards to score by nearly four lengths, getting a mile and 70 yards in 1:45. 33.

    The gelding bred in Maryland by Ocala’s Best A Luck Farm has been a favorite of trainers at the claiming box in recent months as he has posted two victories, three seconds, four thirds and a fourth in his 10 starts since Oct. 12. In 2022 alone, he’s 2-2-2 in six starts, and has collected $24,980 of his career total of $58,908. Yesterday’s victory was worth $7,560 – and he was claimed once again. It will be interesting to track how long his current good form lasts.