by Michael M. Sweeney, for Scarborough Downs

Scarborough, Maine — While the Red Sox crusade toward another World Series appearance and the Patriots continue their cakewalk through their NFL schedule, New England’s harness racing spotlight will shine on southern Maine on Sunday (October 14) as Scarborough Downs will play host to the 3-year-old finals of the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes.

Years of planning and exhaustive labor will reach its much anticipated conclusion on Sunday as scores of dedicated local horsemen and women will proudly send their state-bred colts and fillies to compete over Scarborough’s historic stonedust with nearly $300,000 in purse money on the line to the swiftest and surest.

“The Maine Breeders Stakes program continues to thrive; prospering with dedicated industry stewardship and benefiting from its share of proceeds from the Hollywood Slots Racino in Bangor,” said Scarborough Downs Marketing Director Susan Higgins. “Scarborough Downs is once again proud to have been chosen to host this prestigious event.”

A total of $298,797 in purses will be dispersed over the 11-race program which gets underway at 12:05 p.m. (EDT) on Sunday.

Fox Ridge Michael has been tabbed as the prohibitive 2-1 morning line favorite in the colt trotting division as driver/trainer Mike Graffam will attempt to secure seasonal win number nine for the colt’s owner, the Fox Ridge Stable of Southington, Conn. Fox Ridge Michael will start from post seven in the afternoon’s fifth race and will compete for a purse of $69,389. A victory on Sunday would push the colt’s yearly bankroll to nearly $80,000.

She’s Ah Corker Two is likewise well regarded by the morning linesman, being saddled as the 2-1 pre-race favorite by the local odds maker. She will score from post number seven in the seventh race of the day which will be contested for a $69,405 purse. She’s Ah Corker Two — a foal from Presque Isle, Maine — is campaigned wholly by family connections. She’s owned by Ray and Richard Ireland, driven by Ray’s son, Kim, and trained by Kim’s wife, Wendy.

On the pacing side of the equation, Bangor businessman William Varney will send two participants to the filly final with the versatile entry of Pembroke Lori-Lou and Pembroke Primo, labeled as the 5-2 favorites in the $69,523 ninth race. Parading for betting purposes as the number 1 and 1A entry, Pembroke Lori-Lou will score from post three while Pembroke Primo will start from post five. Campaigned by driver Heath Campbell and trainer Valerie Grondin, the Varney entry has accumulated a total of 14 wins between them this season and a win by either would elevate their combined seasonal bankrolls to over $121,000.

Boogeyman, last season’s freshman class champion, has been named the 2-1 favorite to defend his title for trainer Allie Hiscock and regular driver Stephen Mahar. Owned by Linda Douglas of Cumberland and Franklin Hiscock of Livermore, Maine, Boogeyman has drawn post position five in the $69,480 tenth race and enters the event riding the crest of a three-race win streak.

Doors open at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday at the Downs with nationally recognized recording artist Jose Duddy scheduled to perform the national anthem at 11:45 a.m. First post for the 11-race program is slated for 12:05 p.m. Grandstand and clubhouse admission is free for all patrons.

Scarborough Downs proudly features live harness racing every Saturday through Tuesday afternoon throughout the fall season. First post time is 12:05 p.m. (EDT).