First Dude got off to a fast New Year’s start as he strives for an eighth straight season of finishing in the top four on Florida’s leading sire list.

    The son of Stephen Got Even had three starters on New Year’s Day; Cindy’s Song won at Tampa Bay Downs and earned a check for $10,095, First Faith finished second at Tampa and earned $2,600, and Speedy Dudette finished third at Fair Grounds and collected $5,830, a total of $18,525.  

    Cindy’s Song, bred by Ponder Hill and a $95,000 OBS June 2-year-old in 2021, shipped to Tampa after 12 starts at Gulfstream Park. Originally scheduled for a mile on the grass, the race shifted to the main track at a mile and 40 yards. With Richard Bracho aboard, the 4-year-old filly broke on top and went head-and-head with favorite Barbara in a :24.40 quarter, then put the 9/5 shot away going to the half. She continued on in front without a threat and won by 1 1/4 lengths in 1:43.25, paying $12.40.

In the past seven years, First Dude has topped Florida’s leading sire list once, been second three times, third twice and fourth once.