by Michael M. Sweeney, for Scarborough Downs

Scarborough, ME — While high school and college age freshmen venture forth to convene at their respective new schools and institutions, the equine freshman class in southern Maine is preparing to graduate at the raceway as Scarborough Downs will host the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes 2-year-old finals on Sunday (September 9).

The first steps toward handing out diplomas were taken on Wednesday (September 5) as post positions were drawn for the four stakes divisions. This ceremony was performed at the Cumberland Fairgrounds (Maine) in the main sales ring during the annual Maine Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association (MSBOA) Yearling Sale.

Hundreds of area horsemen had gathered at the fairgrounds, first to witness the post position draw, then to bid on the 80 horses who would later be auctioned off in the very same ring.

“It was a very accommodating and visible event,” said MSBOA board member Denise McNitt. “And it was also a great way to build awareness of the Maine Stakes program and to mount momentum toward the 2-year-old finals on Sunday.”

Speedy Cranberry is the prohibitive favorite to win the $46,976 filly trot division as the daughter of Speedy Lerom attempts to remain undefeated on the season. The filly, who is trained and driven by Shawn Gray, is a perfect nine-for-nine on her career and will start from post two.

Up Tempo has been installed as the 5-2 morning line favorite in the $46,982 colt trotting division. A homebred of Gorham, Maine’s Michael Andrew, Up Tempo has rounded into fine form late in the season, winning his last two starts in impressive fashion for top stakes conditioner Gordon Corey. The tandem will score from post six.

With the potential to secure local bragging rights, Precious Fiona, another foal from Gorham, Maine, has been made the 5-2 pre-race choice to win top honors in the $47,143 filly pacing division. Owned by Richard Shiers, the filly will start from the coveted rail position as she attempts to secure lifetime win number six.

The Michael Graffam mutuel entry of Maineiac Matt and Terrys Star Dragon have drawn post positions one and two for the $47,060 colt pacing final — rating 5-2 morning line favorite status. Combined, these two colts have won 11 of 14 starts this year.

The Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes 2-year-old finals will be contested on Sunday, September 9, at Scarborough Downs with total purses for the day in excess of $213,000.

The call to post will be sounded at 12:05 p.m. (EDT).

Scarborough Downs proudly features live harness action throughout the fall every Monday, Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday with first post scheduled for 12:05 p.m., with the sole exception of Saturday, September 8, when the call to post will be sounded at 3:45 p.m.