by Michael M. Sweeney, for Scarborough Downs

Scarborough, Maine — By the scantest of margins, Kerogen grabbed top honors in the $6,000 Open Trot at Scarborough Downs on Sunday (April 22) — becoming the first back-to-back top class winner in the young state of Maine harness season.

Top teamster Kim Ireland wrestled Kerogen off the gate, content to follow the early blazing fractions (:28.2, :58.4 and 1:29.1) set by Written In The Stars. Ireland sat patient until well into the third turn, then with a tug on the line, tipped his charge three-wide around the bend to engage the leaders as they entered the stretch.

Basking in the warmth of the crystal clear spring day, the assembled fans rose en masse to their feet as the stretch duel began.

In lock step, Kerogen joined Written In the Stars and Gainesville Gator in a courageous battle toward the wire — a battle that concluded with the outcome uncertain and the judges studying the finish line photo. But in the end it was Kerogen parading triumphantly into the Scarborough Downs winner’s circle — a victor by a nose — in a seasonal best clocking of 1:59.4. Gainesville Gator (Kevin Switzer) was second while Stars Photo (Valerie Grondin) rallied for the show.

Kerogen, a 4-year-old son of Lindy Lane, is owned by Lew Hayden of Pleasanton, Texas. As the betting favorite, he returned $5.00, $2.80, $2.20 to his backers.

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.