First Homestead has become the latest runner to join one of First Dude’s elite lists. The 6-year-old gelding bred by Peggy Dellheim and Pete Mattson won his third in a row at Mountaineer last night and in so doing reached the 10-victory mark overall. 

    Erik Barbaran was in the saddle on First Homestead, whose latest trio all came at a flat mile. Last night’s wire-to-wire score was accomplished by nearly three lengths in the fastest clocking of the three – 1:39.76. He earned a check for $4,930 and boosted his career total to $116,955 on a record of 10-4-3 in 29 starts and left First Dude just a stone’s throw from the $2.1 million mark in 2023 progeny earnings.