Catlaunch shows he still has it at 9

Catlaunch led every step of the way en route to a handy two-length win over his six Ohio-bred rivals in the $75,000 Governors Buckeye Cup Stakes at Thistledown on Saturday afternoon. Smarmy trailed for five furlongs then rallied steadily to be second in the 1 1/4-mile srace, 5 3/4 lengths in front of O'Rian, who was third.

Catlaunch, a 9-year-old gelding by Noble Cat, is owned by his breeder, Scioto Farm and is trained by Ivan Vasquez. He got the 10 furlongs in 2:07.10 over the fast track and returned $3. Luis A. Gonzalez was the rider.