After trying to come from behind in his first three starts and not getting the job done, Wicked Dude changed his tactics with new rider Erick Lopez, breaking his maiden at Delaware Park in a race that could qualify as “the game performance of the month.” 

Lopez shot the 3-year-old First Dude gelding to the lead in the race at 5 1/2 furlongs, and the New York-bred opened up daylight while passing the markers in :23.12 and :48.09. On the turn, Purrs Well ranged up on the outside and forged into the lead as they reached the top of the stretch, but Wicked Dude found another gear, battled back on the inside and out-gamed the 3-1 shot to the wire by half a length.

Wicked Dude was clocked in 1:07.04 and became winner No. 47 for First Dude. The victory was worth $9,750 to owner/breeder Richard J. Smith