First Dude surpassed the $1.5 million mark in 2022 progeny earnings yesterday, sparked by the second straight victory of Putin Online in a $41,200 starter optional claimer at Laurel Park. 

    It was an all-local affair for the 5-year-old gelding, owned and bred by Morriston’s Big Lick Farm (Reid and Sarah Nagle), and trained by Sarah Nagle. With Jorge Ruiz aboard, Putin Online was rated down the backstretch in the three path, moved four wide for the drive, and was up in time to score by three-quarters of a length, clocked in an excellent 1:02.93 for the 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf. He received an Equibase ‘E’ speed figure of 94, best of his 11-race career, in which he has compiled a record of 4-1-0, while collecting $73,987.

    First Dude is in fourth place on Florida’s leading sire list with earnings of $1,504,248, less than $11,000 from third.