by Michael Sweeney, for Scarborough Downs

Scarborough, ME — Prodigies of the Maine Sire Stakes program once again graced the seaside oval of Scarborough Downs on Sunday (July 2) as the 2-year-old trotting divisions took center stage on the final session of the holiday weekend. Eleven fillies were split into two divisions carded at just shy of $10,000 per dash, while the six colts went postward for a purse of $10,097.

The fillies kicked things off with Shesaharleygirl seemingly proving the old adage that the race often goes to the steadiest of stride. The daughter of Noble Venture-Dynamic Kid executed a flawless front end strategy, en route to registering a maiden-breaking 2:10.4 speed standard, in only her third career start.

Derek Davis photo

Mark Athearn and Wild Bandita power to a win in Maine Sire Stakes action.

Matthew Athearn, driving for trainer Gretchen Athearn, who just so happens to be Athearn’s mother, received accolades in the winner’s circle from the consortium of owners including Donald Harmon Sr., Normand St Clair and Gretchen Athearn.

American Flambé (M. Cushing) closed gamely in the lane to secure runner-up honors while sweet Amy O (J. Beckwith) came from off the pace to finish third.

The Athearn roster doubled their pleasure in the second filly division as Wild Bandita and driver Mark Athearn, Gretchen’s husband this time, sat a rambunctious pocket trip behind Pembroke Dancer (H. Campbell). Ever keen to go on throughout, the freshman lass pounced powerfully at the wire to claim a brand new lifetime mark of 2:06.4 in what was only her third career appearance too.

Wild Bandita, a daughter of Boy Band-Wild Pine is owned by Michael Andrew.

Pembroke Dancer held for the place while Dualpatwitchywoman (Matt Athearn) another Gretchen Athearn trainee, finished third.

The 2-year-old colt class proved problematic for many of the contestants, as four of the six trotters, at one time or another were charted off stride. Myreh’s Good Son (R. Cushing) though, one of the few who behaved himself during the contest, opened up a substantial lead over the competition, a lead that he maintained until mid-stretch, when Pembroke Bossman and driver Heath Campbell found their fastest gear, and with determination, just got up over the pacesetter by a half-length margin at the wire.

Pembroke Bossman, the freshman son of Noble Venture-Phoenicia Hanover is owned by William Varney and trained by Valerie Grondin.

Myreh’s Good Son held for the place while JJ’s Venture (I. Davies) finished third.

Maine Sire Stakes action returns to the Downs on Thursday (July 6) as the 3-year-old trotting divisions make their 2017 debut at the seaside oval.

Scarborough Downs is pleased to present twilight harness racing cards on a Thursday through Saturday schedule at 4:30 p.m. (EDT) with the Sunday matinee heading to post at 1:30 p.m.

For more information, visit www.ScarboroughDowns.com or visit our Facebook page.