Sticksstatelydude Eyes Hopeful

Alvin Haynes, John Ferris and Elizabeth Burchell’s Sticksstatelydude (First Dude), who graduated at Saratoga Saturday, is expected to return in the Sept. 7 GI Hopeful S. “We’re looking at the Hopeful with him,” trainer Kiaran McLaughlin confirmed Monday. “He needed to show us what he did, but he’s a very nice colt. He ran a huge race at Churchill first time out, so that’s why they decided to bring him up this way for these purses. He’s that caliber. It’s nice for all the owners and the people and him.” Saturday’s six-furlong contest was Sticksstatelydude’s second trip to the post. He was second on debut at Churchill Downs June 27.