Catlaunch regains best form in route

Catlaunch returned to his 2008 form by destroying a field of nine Ohio-breds in the $50,000 Sydney Gendleman Handicap at River Downs.

Jockey Hector Rosario Jr. hustled Catlaunch to the front from post 10. Catlaunch ($7.60) was challenged early for the lead by Tom Archdeacon and Acts Like a King, but shook loose on the far turn and drew off through the stretch, winning by 15 1/4 lengths while covering 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.1.

Trained by Ivan Vazquez, Catlaunch won 7 of 9 races last year and was named Ohio horse of the year. The 8-year-old Catlaunch was winless this season in three sprint starts.

Allsarot finished second, a head in front of Tom Archdeacon.