by Michael M. Sweeney, for Scarborough Downs

Scarborough, Maine — The trotting divisions of the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes bid farewell to Scarborough Downs on Saturday afternoon (July 21) as the disciples of the diagonal gate made their last stop at the raceway before heading off to do battle on the Maine pari-mutuel fair circuit.

Speedy Cranberry remained perfect for life in the 2-year-old filly division, scoring her fifth win in as many career starts for driver/trainer Shawn Gray.

The daughter of Speedy Lerom patiently sat mid-pack as the field angled for the comfort of the pylons before executing a perfect quarter-pole move to assume control and command.

Speedy Cranberry, who is owned by George Bullukian and Alicia Brown, trotted to a brand new lifetime mark of 2:07.3.

The Red One took top honors among the 3-year-old fillies, setting a new lifetime speed standard of 2:04.3 for driver/trainer Gary Hall and owner Stephen Hall.

“She was just as big during her 2-year-old season as she is now,” said Gary Hall, commenting on the incredible size of the striking chestnut. “She keeps at it on the track though.”

Fox Ridge Pepper remained perfect at the Downs as the 2-year-old colt recorded his third lifetime win at the seaside oval — sandwiched around two disappointing efforts at Bangor.

One of the initial crop of the new stallion Boy Band, Fox Ridge Pepper lowered his lifetime speed rating to 2:08.3 with driver/trainer Mike Graffam at the helm.

“He looked great out there today,” said proud owner Richard Salzillo. “We couldn’t be happier with the colt or with the way that Mike’s brought him along.”

The Graffam/Salzillo connection was denied back-to-back stakes wins later in the card when Fox Ridge Michael made a costly misstep in deep stretch while dueling with the eventual 3-year-old colt division winner Pembroke Forward.

Owned by William Varney and trained by Valerie Grondin, Pembroke Forward was expertly steered to victory on the brilliant afternoon by Heath Campbell.

“He’s getting better every week,” said a pleased-as-punch Campbell.

“I’d say so,” joked Varney after jogging the length of the stretch to reach the winner’s circle from the north grandstand parking area. “I was only hoping to finish second today — I’ll park closer next time!”

Stakes action returns to the Downs on Tuesday afternoon (July 24) as the 3-year-old filly pacers take center stage.

Downs Doings: The CKG Billings Amateur Driving Series shared the bill at Scarborough on Saturday. Peter Gerry took over as eastern division points leader after rallying through the stretch with Mickeys Hit…The Mildred Williams Series for women drivers makes its way to Maine next month. The ladies are scheduled to compete at the Downs on August 5…The Maine Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association and Scarborough Downs will present the Roosevelt Susi Pace on Tuesday (July 24) to honor the contributions made by the veteran owner/breeder/trainer. Mr. Susi will be in attendance.

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.