First Dude again moved within two winners of leader Khozan on the 2021 Florida sires list, getting No. 30 yesterday when Dudes Lawyer went wire-to-wire in a five-furlong race at Thistledown.

Erik Barbaran was aboard the 4-year-old gelding, who had finished second in his previous start and was sent off at 1/2 in this one, while seeking his first victory in his seventh try. Dudes Lawyer went right to the lead from the No. 1 post, and set the pace along the inside shadowed by 3-1 shot Blushing Betty, who remained glued to the favorite until the top of the stretch. Dudes Lawyer then drew off and held off the closers to score by a length in 1:00.86.

The victory for the gelding bred by Good Beginnings Farm was worth $5,700, and, via the claiming box, he will be in a new barn for his next try.