Anybody who has subscribed to the age-old “horses for courses” theory need only point to Roan Mountain to back up their premise. 

    The 6-year-old First Dude gelding has started 40 times at four tracks in his long career – at Gulfstream Park he’s posted one victory in eight tries; at Delaware Park he has a third in one try; and at Tampa Bay Downs he’s been off the board in two tries. But at Parx Racing he’s rolled up an eye-opening mark of 6-10-8 in 29 starts.

    Victory No. 6 came yesterday in a $55,000 allowance optional claimer at a mile and 70 yards. Off at odds of 6-1 despite having finished first and second in his previous two races, the big white horse had just one rival beaten as they hustled down the backstretch. Jeremy Laprida sent him after the leaders as the field neared the turn and Roan Mountain closed the gap, moving inside to simplify the run down the lane. He split horses in the stretch and outgunned the competition to the wire, winning by 1 1/4 lengths in 1:46.24. 

    The winner’s check of $33,000 vaulted Roan Mountain into First Dude’s $200,000 club, which has now reached 25. The gelding bred by Don Dizney makes his debut on the list at No. 19 with earnings of $224,285.