by Michael Sweeney, for Scarborough Downs

Scarborough, ME — Fresh off a stakes record performance at the Windsor Fair last weekend Neutral Court continued along his meteoric rise toward superstar status at Scarborough Downs on Sunday (Sept. 6) as the 3-year-old Maine-bred secured his ninth seasonal win to remain undefeated on the year.

Derek Davis photo

Neutral Court and driver Mike Graffam were never in serious jeopardy on Sunday at Scarborough Downs.

Pacing the mile in 1:56.3 (just two-fifths of a second off Scarborough’s track record for 3-year-olds) the outcome appeared never in doubt with driver Mike Graffam controlling the tempo from the get-go in the $9,785 Maine Breeders Stakes split. The win was the second stakes victory of the day for the Graffam roster as Neutral Court joined his impressive stablemate Sign The Page (1:57.1) in winner’s circle sessions at the seaside harness venue.

It may well be déjà vu all over again shortly for the Graffam Stable as a much anticipated showdown between the two powerhouse sophomore pacers should occur on October 18 as Scarborough Downs hosts the finals of the Maine Breeders Stakes program. The race will be similar in nature to last season’s final which pitted two Graffam trainees against each other as Maniac Matt and Terry’s Star Dragon dueled each other every step of that epic mile.

“It should be a very interesting race,” said an understated Mike Graffam. “Just like last year, two stablemates and two very nice colts. On the training side they’re both fairly equal.”

When pressed to assess both colts individually Graffam offered perhaps just a bit of reluctant insight.

“I’ll be driving Neutral Court in the final and I do believe he’s a little stronger than Sign The Paige. He’s built a little stronger but it’s all going to depend on the whole field that day. I just wish the best for everyone and hopefully my luck will continue.”

In other news, driver Drew Campbell continued along the torrid path on Sunday securing five winners from the 10-race program. Campbell, the meet’s leading driver at Scarborough, helped cement his standing atop the leaderboard with 11 trips down victory lane during this week’s action.

“I’m in a good place right now,” Campbell remarked. “I’ve got the right horses to drive and I’m working with a little bit of luck. I’m hoping to keep sharp for the $75,000 Bert Beckwith Memorial at Plainridge on Labor Day. I just hope I’m driving like this tomorrow!”

Scarborough Downs proudly features live harness racing every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 4:15 p.m. (EDT). The popular Sunday matinees feature a 1:30 p.m. post time.