First Dude and Bahamian Squall now have three winners each through the first nine days of January after the victory of Steel City Dude, who added another early track record yesterday over the new Tapeta course at Gulfstream Park.

    The 3-year-old gelding, favored at 3/2 with leading rider Luis Saez, engaged in a heated battle down the lane with Born A Gambler before edging the 3-1 shot by half a length at the wire. Steel City Dude was clocked in 1:43.33 for the ‘about’ 1 1/16 miles, and earned a check for $22,600 in the starter optional claimer with a purse of $37,000. He’s earned $54,390 in just five starts, which include two victories and two seconds.