By Michael Sweeney for Scarborough Downs

Scarborough, ME — Maine Sire Stakes action returned to Scarborough Downs on Sunday (Aug 3) and the budding rivalry continued as Pembroke Maverick and Sailor Jerry matched strides for the fourth consecutive week.

Michael Newman photo

Pembroke Maverick and Heath Campbell sailed coast to coast to claim a Maine Sires win Sunday at Scarborough Downs.

In all previous showdowns, Sailor Jerry and driver Andy Harrington steered the steady course, gained the lead and held off consistent late challenges from his chief rival. The tables were turned in the $9,978 contest on Sunday though as driver Heath Campbell insisted on putting Pembroke Maverick on the early lead with Harrington’s colt forced to take the unfamiliar two-hole seat and dog the pacesetter throughout the mile. Campbell’s strategy worked to perfection as his charge swelled up on the lead and held firm at the wire to secure his very first career score in a respectable clocking of 1:59.3.

The son of Western Maverick is owned in partnership by William Varney and trainer, Valerie Grondin.

Sailor Jerry settled for the bridesmaid share for the first time in his career as his undefeated streak was put to an end at six straight. Hardcorjohnypawn (Kevin Switzer) threw in a strong rally to grab the show dough.

The second split ($9,979 purse) saw Cruzin Maverick earn his first stakes victory, power-moving his way to a mid-mile lead and holding off the late stretch challenge of Pembroke Wildcat to stop the clock in a new lifetime best of 1:58.2. That clocking, tagged the son of Western Maverick as the fleetest colt in his division so far this season supplanting Pembroke Wildcat’s former claim on that honor.

Another son of Western Maverick, Cruzin Maverick was teamed to victory by David Ingraham for owner Stephen La Casse.

Pembroke Wildcat’s (Heath Campbell) three-race win streak came to an end as he held on for second while Harttattack (Kevin Switzer, Jr) rallied from far back to get up for third.

In other track news, Drew Campbell held the hot hand on Sunday as the meet’s top rated pilot steered four winners down victory lane to add to his imposing margin atop the leader board.

Live racing resumes next weekend at Scarborough Downs with the Friday and Saturday cards scheduled to get underway at 4:30 p.m. (EDT). The popular Sunday matinees kick off at 1:05 p.m.