First Dude’s 54th winner of 2022 is My Lil Dude, a maiden-breaking 2-year-old gelding bred in Louisiana by Lisa Cheramie Rousse. My Lil Dude’s Fair Grounds victory under Emanuel Nieves vaulted First Dude over the $23 million mark in career progeny earnings, most for any current Florida stallion.

    Despite a second-place finish in his debut on Dec. 1, My Lil Dude got away at odds of 7-1 and paid $17.60. Racing a flat mile, he rushed to the lead out of the gate and had to battle to retain it throughout. At the top of the stretch he warded off two challenges all the way to the wire, and held on to win in a head bob over 7/5 favorite I Don’t Venmo.

    The $30,000 check lifted First Dude’s career total to $23,026,481.