Catlaunch controls pace

Catlaunch ($6.60) controlled the pace throughout and scored a 2 3/4-length victory over defending champion Count on My Word in Saturday's $50,000 Ruff/Kirchberg Memorial Handicap for Ohio-breds at Beulah Park.

Jockey Ivan Gonzalez rated Catlaunch through a half-mile in 48.68 seconds and the 122-pound starting highweight had plenty left in the tank through the stretch while stopping the timer in 1:51.30 for the 1 1/8 miles over a fast track. Count on My Word rallied from next to last in the eight-horse field to finish second, 2 1/4 lengths in front of Go Johnny Go.

Ivan Vazquez trains Catlaunch for his owner-breeder, Scioto Farm. The victory was Catlaunch's 13th in 44 career starts, good for $236,758 in earnings.