Owner/trainer Pedro Nazario had the last laugh when his 3-year-old gelding, First Office, was ignored in the betting and sent off at 24-1, highest odds in the race at 1 1/16 miles at Delaware Park. In a game effort, First Officer won the race and paid $51.80.

Emanuel Rosario was aboard the son of First Dude who broke quickly and took up a position in second place, stalking the leader. Rosario sent him up on the outside on the turn and First Officer took over the lead at the three-eighths pole, then continued on gamely late to score by one length, clocked in 1:47.58. It was another 7 1/2 lengths back to third.

The gelding bred by Rivermont Farm, a $5,000 OBS October yearling, collected a check for $10,800 and now has earnings of $25,590 on a record of 2-0-0 in nine starts.