Last year, First Dude finished fourth on Florida’s general sire list with progeny earnings of $2,356,491. Surpassing that figure for 2023 should come in October; Dudewiththediamond sent the son of Stephen Got Even over the $2.2 million mark with his second victory at Presque Isle Downs.   

    Addiel Ayala gave the 3-year-old gelding a picture-perfect ride in the race at a mile and 70 yards over the all-weather track. He eased Dudewiththediamond down the backstretch in a comfortable position on the rail, about three lengths off the lead. In the stretch, the gelding took the inside route all the way to the wire, scoring by two lengths, clocked in 1:43.21. The $6,500 OBS Winter Mixed 2-year-old collected a check for $7,800 as he raised his record to 2-2-0 in eight starts.