Following on the heels of Bahamian Squall’s first winner of the new year, First Dude kept pace yesterday when Petulant Delight captured his third straight at Parx Racing, becoming his sire’s initial winner of 2021.

After the 6-year-old gelding bred by Ocala Stud had posted just one victory in his previous nine starts dating back to August of 2019, trainer Mario Dominguez elected to switch to a new rider, Dexter Haddock. All Petulant Delight and Haddock have combined to accomplish is victories at a mile and one-eighth, then one mile, and yesterday’s score at a mile and 70 yards.

The $37,000 OBS April 2-year-old was away quickly from the No. 5 post and Haddock sent him up to battle for the lead down the backstretch. Coming to the final turn, Petulant Delight began to edge away from the field and he was in complete command the rest of the way, winning by 3 1/2 lengths. He paid $10.40 while raising his record to 7-5-4 in 27 starts, and the $13,200 check increased his career total to $145,405.