Debonnaire Dude won his second straight at Delta Downs yesterday and has now finished in the top three in eight consecutive races. Plagued by cheaper purses in Louisiana, the 5-year-old First Dude gelding has earned just $69,542 despite a solid record of 6-7-5 in 28 starts. Yesterday’s score in the race at 6 1/2 furlongs was worth $8,400.

    Joel Dominguez was aboard the $12,500 OBS June 2019 2-year-old, who was bred by Lynne and Chris Boutte. Debonnaire Dude was off quickly and took up a position right on the flank of pacesetter Jake the Band Man down the backstretch. Dominguez sent him after the 7-1 shot on the turn and the gelding cruised into the lead as they began the run through the stretch. He was never threatened late and won by 2 1/2 lengths in 1:21.86, paying $5.80.

    First Dude’s earnings have reached $2,265,381, with 54 winners who have won 95 races. Last year, he had earnings of $2,325,210 with 57 winners.