by Michael Sweeney & Susan Higgins, Scarborough Downs

Scarborough, ME — The Gerald Smith juggernaut continued to roll at Scarborough Downs on Sunday (7/7) as colts from his roster continued their dominance in Maine Sire Stakes circles. Maynard B, the 2-year-old son of Neutralize, remained undefeated in stakes company this year, claiming his third consecutive Maine-bred win with Greg Bowden calling the shots from the sulky. Pembroke Newt was second in the $10,678 event, while B All That (Ron Cushing) was third.

Maynard’s stable mate, Blackmalin, fell just short in his attempt to also remain undefeated, tasting defeat for the first time in stakes competition, being bested at the wire by the upset-minded David The Saint (Mark Athearn). Blackmailin (Greg Bowden) held on for runner-up honors while Alittlebitcountry (David Ingraham) rock and rolled late in the mile to rally for show dough.

Sparks flew off the infield tote board following the third stakes contest of the day as Dansan Clyde paid telephone numbers, scoring at 60-1. Shawn Thayer deftly guided the 2-year-old son of Destry Hanover to overcome the heavily-favored Zip It (Kevin Switzer), at the wire. The stretch duel marked the first of many expected battles between sons of the exciting new Maine sire, Destry Hanover, who is a full brother to internationally known, The Panderosa. Little Big Time (Michael Cushing) was third.

Sire stakes racing continues on Thursday, July 11, with the 3-year-old trotters taking center stage. Post time is 4 pm.

Scarborough Downs photo

Driver Ken Switzer presented a check to Make A Wish Maine in the amount of $6,165.40.

The Harness Racing Community Gives to Maine A Wish

Driver Kevin Switzer and members of the Harness Racing community present Dr. Lynn M. Bak of Make A Wish Maine, a check for $6,165.40, the total amount raised for “The King Drives for The Kids” fundraiser.

During the month of June, Switzer donated his earnings for drives at Scarborough Downs, Bangor Raceway and Plainridge Race Course (Massachusetts) to the organization. Trainers Dana Childs, Tommy Richardson, Jon Chenard, and members of the Maine Amateur Driving Club quickly joined in, along with horse owners and customer donations, making for a grand total of $6,165.40 – enough to grant one wish to a child with a life threatening illness. “That makes me very, very happy,” said Switzer.