Due North brought First Dude $7,380 closer to the $20 million mark in career progeny earnings yesterday with an overwhelming victory going six furlongs at Thistledown.

    The 4-year-old filly bred by Farm III and Jesus Jaimes has been on a tear in Ohio in recent weeks; this was her second victory in a row, and in her last six starts she has registered three victories and three thirds. Overall, Due North is 4-0-4 in 11 tries with earnings of $33,552. 

    Jose Bracho sent the filly toward the lead leaving the gate, and she dropped into second down the backstretch. After a quarter in :22.26, Bracho wasted little time going after the pace-setter, and Due North took over the lead heading into the turn. She passed the half in :45.84 and easily put daylight between herself and the rest of the field, cruising to the wire nearly six lengths in front. She was clocked in 1:12.20 and paid $3.40.

    First Dude’s progeny earnings stand at $19,983,758 and with any racing luck, he should reach his milestone today or tomorrow.