No Name Dude takes to Tapeta in Hollywood Beach victory

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – No Name Dude made a name for himself here Saturday and showed a new dimension in the process when overcoming a sluggish start to capture the Hollywood Beach Stakes going five furlongs over the Tapeta surface.

No Name Dude, a 2-year-old son of The Big Beast, entered the Hollywood Beach having made just two previous starts, both on the main track, having won his maiden at second asking in wire-to-wire fashion in a race restricted to Florida-breds on Sept. 17.

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Trying the synthetic track for the first time while facing open company on Saturday, No Name Dude had to come from off the pace in the Hollywood Beach after breaking sluggishly from the rail. No Name Dude rallied three wide to overhaul the early leaders into the stretch and then withstood a final surge from runner-up Takecareofbusiness, despite never switching off his left lead down the lane. No Name Dude was guided to victory by regular rider Sonny Leon for trainer Jose D’Angelo. He earned a career-best 72 Beyer Speed Figure.

“The horse is very fast but is still very immature mentally,” D’Angelo said. “I think this race was good for him because he didn’t get a great start and he made a nice move around horses. I think he has good future, especially running five or 5 1/2 furlongs. He wants to sprint.”

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