Maryland-bred Berks scored a smart wire-to-wire victory in a $45,400 starter optional claimer at Laurel yesterday and became the 26th addition to First Dude’s continually expanding $200,000 club.

    The 3-year-old colt owned and bred by Jagger Inc. has won three of his last four at the track, the last two in a row, and was the heavy favorite in the race at 1 1/8 miles, paying $4.40.  

    Jaime Rodriguez was in the saddle and he quickly shot Berks to the lead on the inside shortly after leaving the gate. The gelding remained comfortably in front for the rest of the trip, getting only a mild challenge from Clubman, but Berks turned away the 4-1 shot with ease, drawing off at the finish by 2 1/4 lengths. He was clocked in 1:50.38 and collected a check for $27,600, raising his total to $217,830 while joining First Dude’s elite $200,000 list in the 24th position.