by Mike Sweeney, for Scarborough Downs

Scarborough, ME — Maine Sire Stakes action got underway at Scarborough Downs on Saturday (June 23) with the 3-year-old filly pacing division making its initial appearance of the 2018 season. Sixteen sophomore hopefuls were divided into twin eight-horse fields, contesting miles for purses in excess of $11,000 per split.

Like a fine wine, Cab Bearnaise has clearly improved with age, as the daughter of Shady Character–Get A Cab seems to have reached her peak vintage as she embarks on her 3-year-old season. Like an expertly crafted culinary masterpiece, she patiently followed a tried and true recipe for success on Saturday while claiming victory in her first foray into Maine Sire Stakes action in 2018.

Guided in the $11,055 split by regular pilot Mitchell Cushing for the ownership consortium of Linwood Higgins and John Korhonen, the Charlene Cushing trainee secured a picture perfect picket trip behind the heavily favored She’s A Maverick (John Nason). She then followed the punter’s darling twice around the oval before pouncing to a 1-1/4 length margin of victory at the wire, claiming a maiden breaking clocking of 2:01.4.

She’s A Maverick, who finished second, has now finished top-two placed in all of her 11 career appearances. Poocham Magic (Nicolas Graffam) raced tidy at the rail to finish third.

Derek Davis photo

Justcallmedee extended her seasonal undefeated streak to two by claiming victory in the $11,056 second division on Saturday.

Justcallmedee extended her seasonal undefeated streak to two by claiming victory in the $11,056 second division on Saturday with driver Mark Athearn plotting the winning strategy. The duo tussled with Tip Em Off (Shawn Thayer) to the quarter before establishing a dominant front-end position that they would ultimately never surrender despite a full field cavalry charge at the finish.

The daughter of Deuce Seelster-Justcallmerosie is trained by Gretchen Athearn for owner William Phipps. The win marked the fourth training win on the program for the Athearn Stable.

Tip Em Off fell a mere 1-1/2 lengths short after parlaying a pocket trip into the runner-up placing. Pembroke Passionly (Heath Campbell), last season’s freshman divisional champion, ground out a determined first-over attack to finish third.

Maine Sire Stakes action continues on Sunday (June 24) when the 3-year-old colt pacing division takes center stage with post time slated for 1:30 p.m. (EDT).

Scarborough Downs will proudly feature live harness racing on Thursday and Saturday at 4:30 p.m. (EDT) with the popular Sunday matinees getting underway at 1:30 p.m.

For more information, visit www.ScarboroughDowns.com or visit our Facebook page.