The aptly-named Dudewiththediamond became winner No. 28 for First Dude with a heart-stopping come-from-behind victory at Presque Isle Downs. 

The 3-year-old gelding bred by Jim Thomas broke his maiden racing one mile on the all-weather track  in just his second start, and he paid a juicy $42.40. With Addiel Ayala in the saddle, Dudewiththediamond sat fourth early, then made a huge move into the stretch and was all out to get up by a nose, clocked in 1:42.04.

    The victory was worth $9,000 to the gelding who sold for $6,500 at the 2022 OBS Winter sale. 

    First Dude had a second winner at a most unusual venue. The 3-year-old gelding Mongolian Master, who didn’t race at two, won a 1,000-yard race featuring mixed breeds at Los Alamitos. After a pair of thirds, Mongolian Master scored in his third try, getting the distance in :54.90. The $6,000 OBS 2-year-old bred by John Canty paid $9.40 and earned a check for $9,350.