First Dude transferred to Baffert's stable

First Dude, second in the 2010 Preakness, has been transferred from trainer Dale Romans barn in Florida and sent to Bob Baffert at Santa Anita.

First Dude most recently finished fourth as the 9-10 favorite in the January 29th Sunshine Millions Classic at Gulfstream Park.  Although First Dude has hit the board in the Preakness, Travers, Belmont, Blue Grass, Haskell and Pennsylvania Derby, he only has one win from 13 starts. 

Baffert told the Daily Racing Form that he has no immediate races in mind for him. 

  [First Dude is currently ranked #105 on HRN's Active Power Rankings.  Is that too low for a horse that hit the board in five Grade I's last year?]

No reason was given for the move, but one could speculate that the speed-favoring dirt track at Santa Anita, and Baffert's hot streak there could have something to do with it.  Also, the Santa Anita Handicap is coming up on March 5, although Baffert already has Mythical Power (Active - #287) and Game On Dude (Active - #322) that could run in that spot. 

"We're just getting to know him," Baffert said.  "He looks good though."