Apprentice rider Sara Hess has been at Tampa Bay Downs for less than two weeks, and she’s already become a handicapper’s best friend, compiling an impressive record of 4-2-4 in 14 starts. Of the four victories, two have come aboard First Dudes – the $51 bomber on He’s Side Eyed on the 29th, and a beauty on Naa Dudette ($14.60) on Friday.

    Naa Dudette, bred by Hart Breeders, left from the No. 8 post in her first-ever race at Tampa, and went wide on the first turn, leaving her on the outside starting down the backstretch. She was well off the pace, but under a strong hold. Hess got into the 4-year-old filly as the field headed toward the final turn, and Naa Dudette inhaled her rivals, leaving only 7/2 shot Shamu as her only threat. But she proved to be best  down the lane, winning by three-quarters of a length in 1:41.72. She collected $10,850 for the score, lifting her career total to $88,702 on a record of 2-3-6 in 25 starts.