One day after Bahamian Rhapsody lowered the ‘about’ 5 1/2-furlong track record to 1:04.92 over Gulfstream Park’s new Tapeta course, Marcelino followed suit and lowered the ‘about’ 5-furlong mark to :57.04.

    The 6-year-old gelding by First Dude sat second under Jose Morelos, two lengths behind pace-setter Malraux through blazing fractions of :21.96 and :45.04, went after the 5-1 shot on the turn, and powered to the lead in mid-stretch to score comfortably by 2 1/4 lengths. 

    Marcelino, who has finished in the top four in nine straight races, paid $18.40 while raising his record to 6-1-8 in 34 starts. The $12,600 winner’s check increased his bank account to $113,290, and he received an Equibase ‘E’ speed figure of 96, best of his career. 

    First Dude is within about two months of reaching two new career milestones – $21 million in progeny earnings and 800 winning races.