by Emily Gaskin, for Hoosier Park Racing and Casino

Anderson, IN — Bridge To Jesse’s turned in another dominating performance to find the winner’s circle once again at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino in the featured event of the evening, the $75,000 Indiana Sires Stakes Final for 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings, on Wednesday, September 2. Extending his win streak to seven with the victory, Bridge To Jesse’s and driver Ed Hensley reached the wire three lengths in front of their competitors with a final time of 1:56.3.

Linscott photo

Bridge To Jesse’s scored his seventh consecutive win at Hoosier Park in Indiana Sires Stakes action.

Leaving from the trailing post position ten, Bridge To Jesse’s was unhurried from the gate and settled along the rail in third. Victor’s Hall and Ricky Macomber Jr. showed early speed off the gate and dictated first-half fractions of :27.4 and :57.4. Fly Jesse Fly and Rick Plano benefitted from a pocket trip while Bridge To Jesse’s would begin his long first-over quest for the front approaching the final turn.

Victor’s Hall continued to call the shots around the three-quarter clocking in 1:29 while Bridge To Jesse’s slowly begin to close in on the leader. As the field straightened away for home, Hensley asked his mount for more and Bridge to Jesse’s found another gear. Bridge To Jesse’s was able to wear down a tiring Victor’s Hall late in the lane while Late Bid Tom and Jason Dillander rallied gamely in the homestretch to round out the trifecta. As the heavy betting favorite, Bridge to Jesse’s returned $4.20 at the betting window.

“He’s a pleasure to drive,” Hensley noted in the winner’s circle. “He’s got great manners, he can be a little rambunctious behind the gate sometimes, but all in all, he’s a perfect colt to drive. I think he’s better racing off a helmet but he overcame the trip tonight and raced great again.”

After re-establishing the track record for 2-year-old trotting geldings with a 1:56 effort in his last $75,000 Indiana Sires Stakes outing, Bridge To Jesse’s has only tasted defeat once in eight lifetime starts. Trained by Roger Welch, the son of Jailhouse Jesse-Bridge To Nowhere has now bankrolled $158,000 for his owners W. DeLong, W. DeLong, R. Welch, and R. DeLong.

Live racing will continue at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Thursday, September 3 at the regularly schedule post time of 5:15 p.m. Thursday’s 14-race card will be highlighted by the $75,000 Indiana Sires Stake final and $25,000 Indiana Sires Stakes consolation for the 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings. Live racing at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino will follow a Tuesday through Saturday schedule and be conducted through November 14.