Bangor, ME – Call Me Maverick eclipsed one of the oldest track records at Bangor Raceway on Wednesday (Sept. 7), as he electrified the crowd during a blazing 1:53.2 jaunt around the historic Bass Park oval.

Michael Stevenson guided Call Me Maverick to a 1:53.2 track record performance Wednesday at Banger Raceway. Shelley Gilpatrick Photo.

Reined expertly by regular pilot Michael Stevenson, the Maine-bred son of Western Maverick established the dazzling new standard for4r-year-old geldings while erasing a record that had stood since the 2010 edition of the Paul Bunyan Invitational when driver Heath Campbell guided Doubleshotascotch to victory timed in 1:54.2.

Sent hard from the outside wing, Call Me Maverick was denied the early front-end seat by Ohoka Johnny N, as driver Nick Graffam jealously guarded the preferred pylon perch through a torrid :26.3 opening panel. Revving his engines while drafting in the deuce, Call Me Maverick was content to ride Graffam’s helmet to the half in a reasonable :55.2 before pushing the pacesetter to the three-quarter-pole timed in an eye-popping 1:23.3.

Downshifting on the final turn before reaching for overdrive, Stevenson strategically propelled Call Me Maverick from the protection of the pocket, and like a shot from a sling, careened through the lane to post the 1-1/4 length margin timed in a career best clocking of 1:53.2.

The win was the 22nd career victory lap from only 36 lifetime starts for the current star pupil from legendary colt conditioner, Gordon Corey’s “Institute of Equine Erudition.” Corey, alongside his partner Alison Hynes, trains the two-time Maine Sire Stakes Champion (and now Bangor Raceway track record holder) for the Upland Farm of Wilbraham, MA.

Bangor Raceway’s two week September soirée continues on Saturday (Sept. 10) with post time slated for 12:15 p.m. (EDT).

The truncated meet concludes the following week with performances on Wednesday (Sept. 14) at 3 p.m. and Saturday (Sept. 17) at 12:15 p.m. Simulcast wagering remains available at Bangor Raceway every Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 7 p.m.