First Dude retained his hold on third place on Florida’s general sire list with the victory of red-hot Debonnaire Dude at Delta Downs yesterday.

The 4-year-old gelding bred by Lynne and Chris Boutte finished off the board in his first four career starts, but has righted the ship with four victories in his last six starts, and is now 4-2-1 in 12 tries overall.

Diego Saenz was aboard Debonnaire Dude in the 6 1/2-furlong race, and the gelding fought head-and-head for the lead with Adios Yankee until the top of the stretch. He then edged away approaching the wire, won by a length, and earned a check for $10,800.

First Dude is less than $97,000 away from reaching $19 million in career progeny earnings.