Bridge to Jesse’s has now won at least one race for nine straight years. The 10-year-old Indiana sired trotter scored a win in his third start of the year Saturday, May 20 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.
Bridge to Jesse’s and John DeLong are on cruise control in their first win of 2023 for the 10-year-old gelding. Photo by Dean Gillette
John DeLong and Bridge to Jesse’s began from post three in the $8,000 conditioned race and stayed close early on as Aunt Percilla and Michael Oosting led the way to the quarter in :27.3. Heading to the half, Zappa and Rick Plano pressed the tempo on the outside as Aunt Percilla got a bit of a breather to the half in :57.3. Bridge to Jesse’s continued to stay on the inside to save ground and plan one big move.
Bridge to Jesse’s big move came in the stretch as he trotted home in :28.1 for the win by one and three-quarter lengths in 1:55.1. Highly Acclaimed and Dan Shetler closed in late to finish second over Stonebridge Armour and Brandon Bates for third.
Bridge to Jesse’s paid $2.80 for the win. The Jailhouse Jesse gelding is owned by William DeLong, W. Patrick DeLong, Roger Welch and Ray DeLong. Roger Welch trains the trotter, who scored his 55th career win in the effort. Overall, he has more than $1.1 million in career earnings and his quickest mile was recorded as a six-year-old in 1:51.1.
Another impressive Indiana sired horse raced Saturday as Polks Image remained undefeated in seven starts for 2023 in the $22,000 Go on BB Final. Guided by John DeLong, Polks Image took the lead early as expected and posted fractions of :27.2, :56.0 and 1:24.0 before opening up on the field and trotting home in :27.3 for the win. Sweet Tell and Ricky Macomber Jr. finished second over La Rockin Shania and Trace Tetrick for third in the 1:51.3 mile.
Polks Image, trained by Jeff Cullipher, is owned by Pollack Racing and Cullipher. The Rockin Image filly had nine starts last year at two without a trip to the winner’s circe. However, she has been unstoppable, taking a career best mark of 1:51.0 in April.