If there’s one sure thing that can be learned from yesterday’s wire-to-wire victory of Berks at Delaware Park, it’s that the First Dude gelding has formed a strong bond with jockey Jaime Rodriguez. 

    The 3-year-old Maryland-bred has raced six times since November, posting three victories, a second and two thirds. The second and two thirds were accomplished under three different riders; the three visits to the winner’s circle have all been with Jaime Rodriguez aboard.

    Based on his excellent record, Berks was sent off at 1/2 in yesterday’s $30,000 starter optional claimer at six furlongs. Rodriguez put him on the lead and the outcome was never in doubt as Berks passed the furlong markers in :22.50, :45.66 and :58.39 en route to his 3 1/4-length score in 1:11.33. The gelding owned and bred by Jagger Inc. collected $18,000, ballooning his earning to $84,465, with $81,935 coming from his five starts this season.