By Michael Sweeney for Scarborough Downs

Scarborough, ME — The 2-year-old colt pacing division of the Maine Sire Stakes program made its final appearance at Scarborough Downs on Saturday (Sept. 12) before heading out on their upcoming fall fairground swing. The assembled stakes stars provided plenty of thrills for the fans in attendance, spinning tales of extremes, with both long shots and favorites persevering in the $11,000-plus twin splits.

Michael Mewman photo

Poocham Rocket was an upset winner in the first division of Maine Sire Stakes at Scarborough Downs on Saturday.

Poocham Rocket scored the major upset in the first stakes division of the day as the freshman son of Western Maverick-Yeah Baby N sat the patient pocket trip behind the heavily favored Ball Don’t Lie before pouncing to victory with a determined stretch run, crossing the wire one length in front, while rewarding his backers to the tune of 7-1 odds.

Nick Graffam executed the perfect driving maneuvers for owner G. Russell Austin of Westmoreland, NH, stopping the clock in a lifetime best 2:00.1.

Ball Don’t Lie (Gary Mosher) gave way late as he settled for the runner-up spot while Just Call Me Nosey (Mark Athearn) survived a tight photo to gain the show dough.

Seeley Man remained perfect on his career in the second division, scoring his seventh win from as many appearances, with driver Kevin Switzer, Jr controlling the tempo from the word “Go”.

Owned by Florence O’Keefe of Old Orchard Beach, ME, the son of Western Maverick-Perfect Launch crossed the wire on top by an 8-3/4 length margin while pacing the mile in an extremely unhurried 1:59.3.

Lord Maverick (Heath Campbell) stalked from the pocket throughout the mile but could advance no further than second best. Wish Granted (Ruel Goodblood, Jr) rallied for third, finishing in the show spot for the third consecutive time.

Live racing resumes at Scarborough Downs on Sunday with post time slated for 1:30 p.m. (EDT) featuring the 3-year-old colt pacing division of the Maine Sire Stakes program. Sunday will also be the closing day of Scarborough’s summer meeting as the Downs will go dark while the fall fairground circuit takes center stage.

Scarborough Downs will reopen for the fall season on October 16 and will play host to the Day of Champions on October 24 as the finals for all eight divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes program will be contested on what should prove to be the richest card of harness racing ever put together in the state of Maine.