OPELOUSAS, LA—NOVEMBER 21, 2015—Kr Jess Hopeful extended his winning streak to three straight with a victory in the $35,000 Races and Aces Stakes on Saturday night at Evangeline Downs.

The Ray Robbins trainee received some early pressure from Sheza Gamer, but was expertly handled by jockey Donell Blake and was able to wear down his competition and win handily. Heza Fast Corridor was able to rally up the rail late and nab second, just ahead of the tiring Sheza Gamer, who held third.

Kr Jess Hopeful covered the 870-yard distance over a fast track in 46.091 seconds, which equals a speed index of 92. It was the gelding’s fourth win in 10 lifetime starts. He picked up $21,000 for the victory, increasing his lifetime earnings to $62,120.

Kr Jess Hopeful is a 4-year-old gelding by Jess Louisiana Blue out of the Pritzi Dash mare, Blankie. He is owned by R & R Racing Inc. and was bred in Louisiana by Kenneth Roberts Sr.

Elroy Potts, Sr. saddled Heza Fast Corridor for owner Arkofa Farm. Ray Mayo rode the Heza Fast Dash 7-year-old from the Corridor Key (TB) mare Classic Corridor (TB). Bred by Ronald Castille, Heza Fast Corridor earned $7,000 to boost his earnings mark to $140,147.

Garrett Medina rode Sheza Gamer for owner McGehee Horse and Cattle, LLC and trainer Danny Mittag. Bred by S K T Farms, Inc. the 3-year-old Game Patriot filly is out of Dealafly, by Strawfly Special. She picked up $3,850 for the effort.

The wagering public made Kr Jess Hopeful the 9-5 betting favorite at post time and he returned $5.60 to win, $3.40 to place and $2.20 to show. Heza Fast Corridor was sent off at odds of 12-1 and paid $9.20 to place and $4.40 to show, while Sheza Gamer paid $3.40 to show.

Keepn It Kool, First Corona Prize, Downtown Forrest, Tf Corona N Passion and McM Zuper Man completed the field.

Evangeline Downs will resume live racing on Friday night with nine trials for the Evangeline Downs Futurity. There will be no live racing on Wednesday or Thursday due to the Thanksgiving holiday, although simulcast wagering will be available both days. Post time for the Friday night program is 5:35 pm Central Time.

For more information on the American Quarter Horse season at Evangeline Downs, visit the track’s website at www.evdracing.com.