First Dude has surpassed the $2.5 million mark in 2023 progeny earnings, his highest total over the last four years, after the maiden-breaking victory of Sister Skye at Zia Park yesterday.

    The 2-year-old filly was successful in her third career start, and she became First Dude’s 41st winner this year and first among just three juvenile starters. As can be proven by the stallion’s $200,000 and above earnings chart, First Dude’s runners get better with age, and they compete years longer than many other stallions’ progeny, so owners and trainers are not sending them out too early in their careers.

    After a runner-up finish at Remington Park in her previous try, Sister Skye was sent off at 7/2 with Kylee Jordan in the 5 1/2-furlong race at Zia Park. She cruised by 5 1/2 lengths in a solid 1:04.04 and paid $9.80, while collecting a check for $13,500. Bred by Janet Erwin, she was a $27,000 OBS June 2-year-old.