First Dude went 2-for-2 at Gulfstream Park yesterday, with Charlie’s Wish going virtually wire-to-wire in the fifth race and Picking Up Pennies matching her performance in the ninth.

    Charlie’s Wish is a 2-year-old filly who was making her career debut in a $40,000 maiden special at seven furlongs. Paco Lopez sent her out quickly and she battled Wicklow Gal to the quarter in :23.42 before easing back to second. Lopez then opened her up on the turn and Charlie’s Wish rushed into the lead and drew off to win by 3 1/4 lengths, clocked in 1:25.62. She earned a check for $24,000 and gave First Dude winner No. 45 for the year. 

    Picking Up Pennies is a 4-year-old gelding who has been consistent throughout his 12-race career. Edgard Zayas guided him home by five lengths in the $51,000 allowance optional claimer, and his trip was almost an exact duplicate of that of Charlie’s Wish. The $30,000 OBS October yearling has won two in row for trainer and co-owner Saffie Joseph Jr., and he’s 5-3-1 in 12 tries overall. He paid $6.40 and earned a check for $31,300, increasing his total to $156,820 and sending First Dude past the $1.8 million mark for the year.