News

First Dude Gelding Wins 2nd Straight, Just Misses Track Record

    The Martinez triumvirate made it two straight wire-to-wire victories at Presque Isle Downs with the 4-year-old Happyisashappydoes, who posted an Equibase ‘E’ speed figure of 103 for the second time in 12 days. The First Dude gelding bred by Eddy R. and Linda Martinez, trained by Linda Martinez and ridden by Willie Martinez, has hit the 100 or better mark in four of his last six starts.

    Willie Martinez put Happyisashappydoes on the lead at the break in the $37,260 allowance optional claimer and the gelding was never threatened, cruising to the wire in front by nearly three lengths; he had won his previous try by 2 1/2. The clocking of 1:39.73 is just 76/100ths off the track record for the mile and 70 yards over the all-weather surface.

    Happyisashappydoes paid $6.60 and earned a check of $21,600, lifting his total to $142,200, and making him a definite candidate to join First Dude’s $200,000 club in the near future. His record jumped to 4-4-0 in 12 starts.