Fort Washington, MD – Bythemissal is being readied for a title defense in Sunday’s $125,000 Potomac Pace at Rosecroft Raceway, where the 5-year-old gelding became the first favorite to win in the eight-year history of the one-mile event.
The Ron Burke trainee, who produced the fastest mile ever recorded at Rosecroft by a 4-year-old pacer when he covered the mile in 1:48 last year, enters this year’s edition coming off a subpar performance.
The son of Downbytheseaside finished fifth in the Oct. 26 Breeders’ Crown Open Pace at the Meadowlands as the 2-5 favorite.
“He had kind of a tough enough trip that it could have affected him, but also I don’t think he was as sharp as he’d been,” said Burke, who was inducted into the Harness Racing Hall of Fame in 2021. “Everything now seems good. I expect him to race very well.”
Bythemissal, who captured his Breeders’ Crown elimination race impressively the week prior to his disappointing finish in the final, has earned more than $2.3 million during a 40-race career than includes 27 victories. He is owned by Burke Racing Stable, Eric K. Good, Rich Lombardo Racing, and Weaver Bruscemi.
“He tries so hard. He’s one of the most willing horses I’ve had. He’s very fast, too. I don’t know if I’ve had a horse that can go for a piece as fast as him. It makes him tough,” Burke said. “Anytime you have a horse that has high, high speed and is very willing, makes him hard to beat.”
Bythemissal has only raced seven times this season.
“He got a minor injury in the middle of the year that kind of screwed his whole year up,” Burke said. “Then, I took my time bringing him back and got him right. I was thrilled with everything until his last start. He wasn’t terrible but I know he’s a better horse than that. I expect him to come back to himself this week.”
Yannick Gingras will drive Bythemissal, who drew Post six in an eight-horse field.
“I think he could have drawn a little bit inside, but I think he’s all right there,” Burke said. “I feel good about him.”
The Potomac Pace field from the rail out: Charlie May, It’s My Show, Abuckabett Hanover, Voukefalas, El Rey, Bythemissal, Little Rocket Man, and Ruthless Hanover. South Beach Star is also eligible.
First-race post for Sunday’s 14-race program is set at 3 p.m. The Potomac Pace is carded as Race 11.
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