First Dude is less than $28,000 away from reaching $20 million in career progeny earnings following the victory of First Prez in a $67,740 optional claiming race at Del Mar yesterday. It marked the fifth victory for First Dude’s runners spanning the past six days.

Edwin Maldonado was aboard the 4-year-old California-bred gelding owned and bred by Don Dizney, who was sent off at a generous 10-1 in the race at five furlongs. This, despite the fact that he had finished second once and third twice in his last three starts.

First Prez was off a step slowly from the No. 1 post, but Maldonado pressured him to contest the lead on the inside as the field sped down the backstretch through a first quarter in :22.46. The gelding continued on in front with a half in :45.10, entered the stretch in front by two lengths, then held off 4-1 shot Too Late, who came on too late and fell short by a neck.

In becoming First Dude’s 45th winner of 2021, First Prez earned a check for $43,200, raising his career total to $102,800 on a record of 2-1-2 in 11 starts. First Dude’s career total ballooned to $19,972,335.