The Maine Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association launched its 2007 stakes program on Saturday afternoon as Scarborough Downs played host to both the two- and three-year-old trotting divisions.
“As the stakes program heads forth into our 33rd season, we look forward, with great anticipation, to the continued progress that the breed has made in Maine.” said MSBOA president Diann Perkins. “Breedings are up, purses are up and so are our expectations for the continued expansion of both the Breeders’ Stakes and the entire harness racing industry in Maine.”
Speedy Cranberry quickly put the local horsemen and fans onto a sentimental and decidedly melancholy path.
The two-year-old filly claimed victory with Heath Campbell named as the last-minute driver replacement to regular teamster/trainer Shawn Gray who had earlier in the day rushed to hospital to attend to his critically ill father.
Word reached Scarborough officials that Gray’s father, noted Maine horseman Lewis Gray, died just after post time. In fact, Scarborough Downs security officers solemnly began lowering the infield flags to half-staff just as the fourth race trotters were lining up for post parade.
At that point, Speedy Cranberry took matters into her own hooves.
She supplied the storybook ending by sitting a patient pocket trip behind Cranmeadow Moxie before pouncing past the post-time favorite to record her second lifetime win for owners George Bullukian and Alicia Brown.
The daughter of Speedy Lerom is now a perfect two-for-two on her career.
In other action, Ivan Davies made a triumphant return to the Downs, steering Michael Andrews’ Griswold Girl to victory in the three-year-old filly division.
A misstep behind the gait left the Good Time Georgio filly a full furlong back in the early going of this contest. Davies quickly corrected his trotter though and soon set course to rein in the breakaway pack before deftly zooming by in the final panel to finish in 2:03-3/5.
“She’s kind of scattered-brained” Davies said, “It’s hard to keep her mind on business – but when she does, boy can she fly. She’ll trot a fast mile on this track someday.”
Mike Graffam and the Fox Ridge Stable took top honors in both colt divisions sending Fox Ridge Michael out on the point as the three-year-old cruised in 2:03-3/5th, and then rallying through the stretch with Fox Ridge Pepper to claim victory in the two-year-old grouping.
“Pepper is still easily distracted” Graffam said. “Once he learns to stay focused he’ll be a great colt”
Send questions/comments to the editors.
