Red-hot First Dude solidified his hold on third place on Florida’s general sire list yesterday when M J’s Lady won the third race at Laurel under Charlie Marquez, giving the son of Stephen Got Even his sixth January winner and raising his progeny earnings for the month to $171,317.

M J’s Lady was off fourth from the No. 8 post in the one-mile race, and Marquez had her three wide down the backstretch, about six lengths off the dueling leaders. He moved the 4-year-old filly up to third coming to the turn and then sent her to the lead with a bold rush entering the stretch. Down the lane, there was just one challenge, from 8/5 favorite Imagine Victory, but M J’s Lady held her safe late and prevailed by 1 1/2 lengths.

M J’s Lady, who was bred by Juan Rodriguez, earned a check for $10,260 and raised her total to $48,310 on a record of 2-1-1 in nine starts.

With seven winning races in January, First Dude is just eight away from 700 lifetime in that category.