by Paul Ramlow, USTA Internet News Manager

Lexington, KY — Rock N Roll Heaven enhanced his claim to Horse of the Year honors as he captured the $604,000 Tattersalls Pace, the richest event on the Saturday (Oct. 23) card at The Red Mile, in a time of 1:48.1.

Daniel Dube was in the bike for owner Frank Bellino and trainer Bruce Saunders as the Rocknroll Hanover-Artistic Vision colt won for the 13th time in 18 trips to the post this year, with earnings of $1,831,527. He has now banked more than $2.4 million lifetime.

USTA/Mark Hall photo

Rock N Roll Heaven held off One More Laugh at the wire to win the Tattersalls Pace.

Rock N Roll Heaven got away in fourth but did not sit in that spot long as Dube had him out and rolling and they were on the front end just past the opening quarter in :27.2. John Campbell and Razzle Dazzle challenged the leader down the backstretch and cleared to the front at the :53 half-mile marker and they were still in command at the 1:20.4 three-quarter pole.

But Rock N Roll Heaven tipped out of the pocket just past the three-quarter pole, found racing room down the lane and took over the lead, then had to withstand an assault by One More laugh (Tim Tetrick) to the wire. Rock N Roll Heaven won by a half-length over the game One More Laugh. Dreamlands Art (Dave Palone) earned the show dough.

“One More Laugh and Rock N Roll Heaven have hooked up many times,” said Saunders. “I’m not comfortable racing against him as he’s a terrific horse.

“(Rock N Roll Heaven) has a great caretaker (Lester Benson) and I try to stay out of their way. It’s a reflection on how tough he is and how much he wants to win.

“He’s got the Progress Pace and the Matron left and the folks at Yonkers would love for him to come for the Messenger. We’ll monitor him to see how he comes out of this race. It’s important that he’s at the top of his game.”