Sometime in the next few days, First Dude will hit the $25 million mark in lifetime progeny earnings. He edged a little closer to that figure yesterday with the sharp victory of veteran Debonnaire Dude at Arapahoe Park.

    Debonnaire Dude gave First Dude winner No. 34 for the year and left his sire less than $30,000 short of the magic number.

    Nathan Haar was aboard Debonnaire Dude in the race at seven furlongs, and they stalked the pacesetter in second place through a :23.90 quarter, rushed into the lead on the turn, then held off three rivals down the lane to win by nearly two lengths in 1:26.98. The 6-year-old gelding raised his record to 7-8-7 in 37 starts and his earnings to $76,776.