Washington, PA — Parked for more than half the race, Floyd “Roper” Rhodes and Forever Jesse persevered and drew off to a surprisingly easy victory in Friday’s (Aug. 26) $10,000 leg of the Great Lakes Amateur Driving Association (GLADA) trot at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.

Rhodes and Forever Jesse have drawn post six or deeper for six start starts, resulting in some brutal overland journeys for the 6-year-old Jailhouse Jesse-Chillinghim gelding. Rhodes blames the driver, at least in part, for that.

“He can get in a hole when a professional drives him,” he said. “When an amateur drives him, I look and I think, ‘I’m not sure that’s enough room. Maybe I should just stay out there.’ I don’t know who’s more tired — him or me.”

Forever Jesse and Floyd “Roper” Rhodes withstood an overland journey and edged clear to a dominant win in Friday’s GLADA event at The Meadows. Chris Gooden photo.

On Friday, Rhodes finally cleared Leslie “Pay the Rent” Zendt (Classicality) before the three-quarters and drew off to defeat Scott “Scooter” Betts (Lifeintheslammer) by 4-1/4 lengths in 1:55.3. Stephen “You’re Never Too” Oldford (Sumbodygetdisfool) and Tom “Mayhem” Svrcek (Worthy Of Honor) rounded out the ticket.

Rhodes also trains and owns Forever Jesse, who lifted his career bankroll to $145,281.

Live racing at The Meadows continues Saturday (Aug. 27), when the 12-race program features a pair of stakes for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers: a $137,956 Pennsylvania Sire Stakes and a $40,000 Pennsylvania Stallion Series event. On the wagering front, the card offers a $2,340.33 carryover in the final-race Super Hi-5. First post is 12:45 p.m.