by Mike Sweeney, publicity director, Scarborough Downs

Scarborough, ME — The 3-year-old colt and gelding division of the Maine Sire Stakes program made its second appearance at Scarborough Downs on Saturday (June 30) before an enthusiastic crowd and under sultry summertime conditions. Three divisions were contested for purses in the range of $12,000 per split.

Pembroke Dewey claimed the top spot in the points standings on Saturday, remaining undefeated in Maine Sires competition this season. Driver Heath Campbell took the overland route to engage the speedy Fuzzylegsandall who was sent to the uncontested lead and then was expertly rated by driver Mark Athearn.

Campbell’s charge proved relentless in pursuit of the post time favorite who just last weekend equaled the track record for his age and sex, overcoming Fuzzylegsandall in deep stretch while stopping the timer in a brisk 1:56.2 — a lifetime best for the William Varney owned son of Baron Biltmore. Fuzzylegsandall held on for the place with Lollipop Kid (Kevin Switzer) completing the top three.

Denver Cyclone then made amends for last week’s third place finish as driver Wallace Watson steered the son of Western Cyclone onto the early lead en route to a zippy 1:57.3 clocking, a lifetime equaling best. Owned by Alfred Ross, Denver Cyclone inched one step forward in his quest to add the 3-year-old championship to the 2-year-old crown he secured in 2011. Let It Ring (Gary Mosher) was second while Macho McGraw (Kevin Switzer) secured the show.

Jimmy Whizzbang survived a broken head check and a refusal behind the starting gate to secure his first win of the 2012 season in the third division, with driver Greg Bowden calling the shots for trainer Gerald Smith.

The son of Shady Character took the pike route to victory in a lifetime best of 1:58.3 to the delight of owners Florence O’Keefe and R. Stephen Ralph. I’mamainecharacter (Kevin Switzer) was runner-up while Fast Bill (Gary Mosher) grabbed the show dough.

In other news, Mr Nice Guy, catch-driven by Kevin Switzer for trainer and regular pilot Kim Ireland, paraded victoriously in the $6,000 Free For All on Saturday, timed in 1:53.4, the second fastest clocking of the 2012 season at Scarborough Downs. With that win, the Eastern Ideal gelding eclipsed the $300,000 level in career earnings.

Maine Sire Stakes racing resumes Sunday afternoon at the Downs with two splits of sophomore filly pacers, racing for purses in excess of $12,000 per flight. Post time on Sunday is slated for 1:05 p.m. (EDT).