Gran Edition made his first career start at Mountaineer Casino and Resort as a 3-year-old in August of 2020 and in his next 24 races – 21 at the same track – he won just twice, both at the age of three, impressively. The 5-year-old son of First Dude broke his maiden by 8 1/2 lengths, and victory No. 2 came by 2 3/4. 

    Last night Gran Edition made start No. 26 – this one at Arapahoe Park in Aurora, Colorado – and nobody would have guessed that in all that time it was only his third visit to the winner’s circle. With David Cardoso aboard going seven furlongs, he broke fourth, trailed by about five lengths through a quarter in :22.95, made a three-wide move on the turn and “sailed into the lead” according to Equibase. Gran Edition’s “sail” resulted in an eye-catching 12-length score, meaning his three victories have come by a total of 23 1/4 lengths. 

    Gran Edition raced the seven furlongs in 1:25.73, paid $11, and had to settle for a check of just $3,600 due to Arapahoe’s minute purse structure. He became First Dude’s 36th winner of 2022, and, like many of his sire’s late bloomers, looks as though he may have better things ahead.