Lrh Jess Shake It Up, ridden by Ricardo Hernandez, wins the $47,776 Open Graduation Stakes at Evangeline Downs on Saturday.

© Hodges Photography

OPELOUSAS, LA–NOVEMBER 2, 2024–It was a photo finish on the wire for the $47,776 Open Graduation Stakes at Evangeline Downs on Saturday. Lrh Jess Shake It Up won the nod by a nose over Pyc Royal Time just in time at the finish.

With Ricardo Hernandez in the irons, Lrh Jess Shake It Up made a late dash at the final stretch and surged right at the wire for the win in 18.026 seconds. The third fastest qualifier in the trials clocked an 83 speed index in the finals, and the victory paid $5.60 to win on 2/1 odds.

Pyc Royal Time crossed with wire in second under the guidance of jockey Arnulfo Gutierrez. Dash Jess Quick, piloted by Ubaldo Luna, followed in third.

The victory improved Lrh Jess Shake It Up's record to two wins from nine starts, and the $24,375 winner's share of the purse boosted her earnings to $47,775. Francisco Campos Sr saddled the daughter of One Sweet Jess for owner Carlos Campos.

Jetty and Donald Lemaire bred Lrh Jess Shake It Up in Louisiana. The three-year-old filly is out of Lrh Heartofanoak by Oak Tree Special.

Janessa Muniz saddled Pyc Royal Time for owner Loretta Clarise Gonzalez. The two-time winner has earned $40,738 from 17 starts.

Alejandra Moya, who repurchased the three-year-old son of Pyc Prize Time for $8,500 in the 2022 TQHA Yearling Sale, bred him in Texas. Pyc Royal Time is out of Fance Snow by This Snow Is Royal.

Dash Quick Jess was bred in Texas by Pete Scarmardo. M Racing, Pedro Mendoza, Ceiso Mendoza, and Stephanie Leija own the three-year-old son of Down N Dash.

Jeremy Derozin trains Dash Jess Quick, who has one win from 16 starts and $25,841 in the bank. He is out of Im Jess Quick by Mr Jess Perry.

Fast Flyin Floozy, Jessa Dahsin Hero, Coastal Tide, Mp Easy, Blood N Coronas and Keep Working complete the order of finish.