High Strike Zone wins Ark-La-Tex

High Strike Zone won the $75,000 Ark-La-Tex Handicap at Louisiana Downs for the second straight year on Saturday, when he set a stout pace and went on to a three and three-quarter length win over Pressed. It was another four lengths back in third to Mr. Pursuit.

High Strike Zone ($16.40) broke on top in the mile and a sixteenth race, and dueled with Senor Amigo through an opening half-mile in 45.57 seconds. High Strike Zone shook free of his pace rival soon afterward, and proceeded to lead the field through six furlongs in 1:09.78. He remained clear through the stretch, and covered the distance in 1:42.89.

Ricky Faul rode the winner for trainer Amos Laborde.

High Strike Zone earned $44,100 for the win, which was his fifth in a stakes. He has now won 11 of 36 starts and $539,760. High Strike Zone races for Donald Erickson.