Skowhegan, ME — Deal With It Roman (1:55.1-$30.40) reached speeds unknown on Wednesday (Aug. 14) at the Skowhegan State Fair as he shaved nearly two seconds off his previous lifetime best while scorching the “Skow-Town” oval with the capable hands of driver Aaron Hall holding the lines.
Dismissed at 14-1 odds despite boasting wins in each of his last two starts, Deal With It Roman broke aggressively from the gate while securing a pocket trip behind the expected early speed of JK Objection (Heath Campbell). Through reasonably measured fractions (:28.1, :58, 1:26.3), Deal With It Roman dogged the pacesetter in nose-to-helmet fashion before the gears began to shift around the final turn.
As the bright lights of the stands came into view, Hall tipped his charge, quickly coming alongside JK Objection who dug down deeply in response. A classic stretch duel commenced, with nary a whisker separating the two determined steeds, but it was Deal With It Roman generating one final surge, propelling himself toward the wire, and earning a scant neck advantage over his relentless foe. JK Objection finished a gallant second while Luke McGook (Drew Campbell) finished third.
The win marked the 18th curtain call for the 5-year-old Maine-bred son of Western Maverick-Deal With Life who is owned and trained by Marc Tardif. It also marked the fastest mile recorded over the first four sessions of the seven day Skowhegan meet.
The score afforded Aaron Hall a driving double on the program and elevated him into second place on the Skowhegan leaderboard with seven wins accumulated during the meet. Hall sits two wins behind the current standard bearer, Kevin Switzer Jr.
Skowhegan State Fair will present racing under the lights once again on Thursday (Aug. 15) with post time scheduled for 7 p.m. (EDT). The meet will conclude with afternoon programs on Friday and Saturday (Aug. 16-17) with a 1 p.m. post time.
Skowhegan’s simulcast will be available for viewing and wagering on most national ADWs and brick and mortar locations through an agreement with Great Pine Racing.