Catlaunch goes wire to wire

Catlaunch won the Michael F. Rowland Memorial Handicap at Thistledown by 2 3/4 lengths over five Ohio-bred 3-year-old and upward rivals Friday afternoon. Ramblin Mike finished second, 1 1/2 lengths in front of Go Johnny Go in third.

Catlaunch, under Ivan Gonzalez, made the lead a few strides out of the gate, repulsed strong challenges from Purple Sutherland and then Go Johnny Go, then drew off in late stretch to get the six furlongs in 1:11.12 over the fast racing strip. He returned $3.20 as the favorite. He is owned by Scioto Farm and trained by Ivan Vazquez.