Rosecroft: Track record clocking for Keystone Velocity in Potomac Pace Invitational

Keystone Velocity got a second-over trip into a hot pace and capitalized in the stretch to win the second edition of the $100,000 Potomac Pace for older males on Sunday night at Rosecroft Raceway in a track record 1:47 3/5.

The fast tempo was supplied by Breeders Crown Open Pace winner Split The House (Brett Miller), who rocketed to the point from the outside post nine and carved out panels of 25 3/5, 53 1/5, and 1:20 1/5. All Bets Off (Matt Kakaley), who won this race last year, came first-over out of third past the half and joined Split The House on the final turn, with Keystone Velocity (Daniel Dube) watching things from behind Kakaley's helmet.

All Bets Off went by Split The House turning for home, but Dube cut Keystone Velocity loose three-wide in the lane, and he would overhaul All Bets Off late, winning by just over a length. Dealt A Winner (Brent Holland) finished in the third position, and Mach It So (David Miller) came in fourth after tracking Split The House from the pocket.

The 1:47 3/5 clocking broke the previous track record of 1:48 2/5 co-held by All Bets Off (2016) and Nuclear Breeze (2007).

"He got a good second-over trip with those fast fractions, and he likes to finish strong like that," said Dube.

A 9-year-old Western Hanover stallion, Keystone Velocity is trained by Rene Allard and owned by Allard Racing Inc., Kapildeo Singh, and VIP Internet Stable Inc. This year's Levy and Franklin winner, Keystone Velocity has won 27 times in his career and has now banked $1,324,413. Sent off at 6-1, Keystone Velocity paid $14.80 to win.