Sometimes, records and victories just elude horses, no matter how well they run. This has been the case for First Dude, the stellar 3-year-old who is trained by Todd Pletcher. The team is looking for a win in the prestigious $1 million Pennsylvania Derby at Parx Racing, formerly Philadelphia Park, with jockey Ramon Dominguez aboard.
First Dude has had great successes in the past, with a second-place finish in the Preakness, and third-place finishes in the Belmont Stakes, Haskell Invitational, and Travers. The horse is looking very solid for Saturday, especially with what has happened. One of the toughest contenders in the 3-year-old bracket is out of the race scene for the rest of the year, opening up chances for everyone else. Though Afleet Express is expected a full recovery from his suspensory tendon injury, he is out for the remainder of the year.
This does several things for First Dude, obviously, as a tough contender is out of the running. However, there may be a big chance for First Dude in the race on Saturday, given the starting position that was drawn, and the competition that he will be facing. He drew a favorable, very friendly position. First Dude also gets in with 114 pounds, eight pounds less than stakes winners Exhi, A Little Warm and Afleet Again.
Though Lookin At Lucky will be there, it is time for First Dude to claim a very notable victory. All the indicators are lighting up for him. This is a horse that is in pristine shape, delivers quickly down the line speed and handles corners well. With the expert guidance of Dominguez, nothing is impossible. First Dude will break from the outside post, with speed horses Exhi, A Little Warm and Morning Line inside of him. Of course, First Dude can handle the speed, and has plenty of zip for the race.
Start profiting from the Pennslyvania Derby today with our winning horse racing picks from our expert horse handicappers.