Thistledown: Catlaunch seeks repeat in Rowland

Catlaunch will carry 126 pounds and spot his rivals 10 to 16 pounds in the $50,000 Michael F. Rowland Memorial at Thistledown on Saturday.

It looks like there will be a mad dash for second money in the six-furlong Rowland, in which Catlaunch will try to defend his title.

A 10-year-old, Catlaunch returned in midseason form for trainer Ivan Vasquez on May 7, when he won the Babst Memorial at Beulah Park. He has been a model of consistency throughout his 84-race career, posting a 35-17-9 record with earnings of $923,944. Last year he won five of his 11 starts and earned $190,408. With the same Ohio-bred stakes scheduled this year, he could reach $1 million in career earnings. Catlaunch is owned by his breeder, Scioto Farms, and will be ridden by Luis Gonzalez.

Drummond Island may have the best chance of upsetting Catlaunch. A lightly raced 4-year-old, he won his first start this year at Beulah Park after making only two starts last year, including a 15 1/2-length allowance victory at River Downs. A stakes winner at 2, Drummond Island has the speed to set the early fractions. Dean Sarvis will ride for trainer William Cowans. He will carry 115 pounds.

Ramblin Mike finished second in the Rowland last year. He has been unplaced in four starts this season, but a little improvement could make him a factor.