by Michael M. Sweeney, for Scarborough Downs

Scarborough, ME — Incredible Mouse will headline the Labor Day program at Scarborough Downs on Monday (September 3) as the 4-year-old gelding steps up into Open company for only the second time in his career.

Owned by the team of Robert Sumner, Frank Canzone and the Seafood Delight Stable, Incredible Mouse was a well-meant winner in 1:56.3 — besting the $15,000 claiming ranks — as the pacer returned to action in Maine last week after an extended campaign at Rockingham Park.

Now moving up the class ladder to taste from the top shelf, Incredible Mouse has been installed as the 5-2 morning line favorite in Scarborough’s seventh race feature, which will be contested for a $7,800 purse. Drew Campbell will drive for trainer Richard Bartlett.

Ask For Bliss, another Rockingham invader, rates second choice by the morning line maker with Shane Taggart steering for owner Robert “Bubba” Larkin, while LLYR — a local stalwart in this class (Kevin Switzer) — merits third mention.

First post time for the Labor Day card will be 3:45 p.m. (EDT).

Kerogen tops trotters at the Downs

Kerogen registered his 11th seasonal win on Sunday afternoon (September 2), claiming victory in the $7,800 Open Trot at the Downs and turning the tables on arch-rival Snap Dancer, who had bested him in Invitational competition last week in the $50,000 Joseph Ricci Memorial.

Kerogen got the quick jump on the field again this time but was able to repel the persistent challenge from Snap Dancer as driver Kim Ireland urged his stallion on to the finish line through a blistering back-half of :58.4 — stopping the timer in 2:00.2.

“Kerogen was better this week,” said winning driver Kim Ireland, “and while we would have loved to have won the Ricci last week, you just have to tip your cap to Fred Ward and Bruce Bridgham. Snap Dancer is a nice mare and makes for great competition.”

The victory had special meaning for the Ireland clan today as Kerogen was joined in the winner’s circle by Kim and Wendy’s daughter Emily, who was celebrating her 13th birthday.

Downs Doings: Veteran teamster Billy Pillsbury recorded his 136th career driving win (first in 2007) by sending the stable star Just Macki pillar-to-post in Sunday’s finale. Pillsbury, who turned 78 last January, will be honored by the New England chapter of the United States Harness Writers on Friday, October 12, during their annual awards banquet to be held in the Downs Club Restaurant at Scarborough Downs. Tickets may be purchased by contacting Susan Higgins at (207) 883-4331. Festivities will get underway at 5:00 p.m. (EDT).

Scarborough Downs proudly features live harness action every Monday, Tuesday and Saturday afternoon with first post scheduled for 3:45 p.m. (EDT). The popular Sunday matinees get underway at 12:05 p.m.