Rosecroft: Kakaley hopes good fortune continues in Potomac Pace

Driver Matt Kakaley is certainly hoping that history will repeat itself on Sunday when he handles Dorsoduro Hanover in the $100,000 Potomac Pace at Rosecroft Raceway. Kakaley has been in this spot the last three years with quality horses and looks to repeat the victory in 2016 he enjoyed behind All Bets Off.

“He was just a great horse,” Kakaley said of All Bets Off. “He had a good spot and he raced great.”

Over the last two years Kakaley has finished second in the Potomac, once with All Bets Off and last year with Filibuster Hanover. Both were trained by Ron Burke, who also sends out Dorsoduro Hanover on Sunday along with This Is The Plan in the Potomac.

Dorsoduro Hanover is coming into the Potomac off an exemplary effort in the Breeders Crown where he finished second to upset winner American History. That 4-year-old rival will start next to him in the Potomac and be looking to add his name to the “history” books with a victory.

“I thought he went a fantastic race in the Breeders Crown,” said Kakaley of Dorsoduro Hanover. “I had to re-move him and he went a pretty big half into the wind. I kept him rolling the third quarter because I didn’t want to let McWicked into the race.”

The strategy was flawless and the performance brilliant, but American History had the post position edge and ultimately got the top prize.

Kakaley credits the revival of Dorsoduro Hanover late in the season to a pair of things. Most notably throat surgery over the summer on the Somebeachsomewhere-sired gelding that has been successful. “I’d say he’s also matured a lot,” said Kakaley of the near $1.6 million winning horse.

The Potomac, an invitational, drew a stellar field, with McWicked a career earner of over $4.9 million once again hampered with the post draw. Trainer Casie Coleman’s charge is generally known for his closing kick but he had to be used pretty hard in the early stages of the Breeders Crown on October 26 leaving from post eight on that night. McWicked landed post seven in the field of eight going over Rosecroft’s five-eighths mile oval.

American History will give up-and-coming driver Joe Bongiorno another chance at a stakes victory. The 4-year-old by American Ideal has also blossomed late in the season for trainer Tony Alagna. American History was most impressive in the Breeders Crown, getting away on top and forcing a serious pace before emerging from the pocket for a two-length victory. For American History, the move from Woodbine Mohawk Park to Rosecroft will likely step up his game even further. A track-record holder at Yonkers and the winner of the Quillen Memorial over Harrington’s half-mile track in September, American History should feel right at home on Sunday, especially from post two.

Trainer Ron Burke has seen This Is The Plan show up in major races all season long and it would not be a surprise to see the 4-year-old bounce back after a fifth-place finish in the Breeders Crown. This Is The Plan had post 10 on that occasion and has the starting assignment cut in half at Rosecroft from post five. With more than $778K earned in 2019, This Is The Plan is a danger whether on or off the pace here.

Dealt A Winner has been in the Potomac a few times in the past without a victory but the veteran son of Cam’s Card Shark may be showing up at the absolute best time for trainer Mark Silva. Dealt A Winner landed the coveted pole position and enters the Potomac with three of his four seasonal victories coming in his last six starts. Dealt A Winner scorched the Harrah’s Philadelphia oval on October 27 winning in 1:49 1/5.

Trainer Jeff Cullipher sends Endeavor for another attempt at the Potomac. The 6-year-old has earned in excess of $200K this year mostly racing in overnights, but shined in a major way finishing second behind This Is The Plan in the Hoosier Park Pacing Derby in September. Endeavor starts from post four with driver Tim Tetrick.

Courtly Choice shocked the world in capturing the Canadian Pacing Derby at 34-1 back in August but since then the 4-year-old has failed to find the winner’s circle. The Blake MacIntosh-trained stallion starts from post six in the Potomac in hopes of ending a five-race losing streak. Corey Callahan will drive.

The home-team didn’t get much of a break in post draw as Maryland-owned Slick Tony, a back-to-back winner at Rosecroft in his last two outings, drew post eight against the toughest field he’s seen this year. As the lone Maryland-driven horse in the field, he is eligible to a 20% bonus on his earnings.

The Potomac, race 9 on a 13-race program that kicks off at 7:15 PM E.S.T., also offers a special $10,000 bonus should one of the eight entrants set a track record.

“We figured it was worth throwing that out there but I don’t think the weather is going to cooperate,” said Director of Racing Pete Hanley. “We have a great trackman and the surface is wicked-fast.”