Western Fame, sitting the perfect pocket trip with Maryland-native Corey Callahan in the sulky, went by 7-5 favourite Filibuster Hanover in the stretch to win the $100,000 Potomac Pace Sunday, Dec. 2 at Rosecroft Raceway.
A recent acquisition by trainer Rene Allard, who trained last year’s Potomac Pace winner Keystone Velocity, Western Fame covered the mile in 1:49.2. The victory, the 16th of Western Fame’s career, pushed his career earnings over the $1-million mark.
Filibuster Hanover, a winner of more than $600,000 this year, was second with driver Matt Kakaley and Duplicated N was third.
“He’s been a nice horse and we’re just happy to have him,” Allard said. “The trip worked out perfect. We’re thrilled to have him. This horse, the deal happened pretty quick and everyone that was part of it…we got it done, boys, so shout out to everyone. I couldn’t be happier.”
Coming off a fourth-place finish behind McWicked in the TVG Open Nov. 24, Western Fame went to the front leaving the gate but was quickly headed from the inside by Filibuster Hanover, who took control around the first turn past an opening quarter in :26.4 a length in front of Western Fame.
“I know Matty’s horse can leave really fast and mine was the other gate speed in the race,” Callahan said. “I figured I’d either get there and let Matty come back or it was only the two of us so I got stuck behind him.”
Callahan paced behind Filibuster Hanover, who went the half in :55.1 and three quarters in 1:21.4 while Endeavor raced first over. Entering the stretch, despite a game effort by Filibuster Hanover, Western Fame slid to the lead and took the third running of the Potomac Pace.
Western Fame returned $7.20.
(With files from Rosecroft Raceway)
With only a couple starts remaining in his career, Foiled Again nabbed his 107th victory on the undercard of the Potomac Pace. Read more here.