by Michael Sweeney, for Scarborough Downs

Scarborough, ME — The 3-year-old colt pacing division of the Maine Sire Stakes program returned to Scarborough Downs on Sunday (Aug. 27), fully rested off their Union Fair bye week, and fully ready to reengage following that helpful respite. The class, now reduced to a gathering of five pacers, with 1-1/2 months still left in the sophomore season, took to the trenches to match strides for the $10,103 stakes purse offering.

Derek Davis photo

Princeoftheforest upends the undefeated Alittlebithiphop in Maine Sire Stakes action.

Racing perhaps with a target on his back, the undefeated Alittlebithiphop brought his unblemished eight-for-eight seasonal record to the raceway and as befits a strong probable favorite, the anticipated short price was heartily accepted by the fans at the windows; the colt promptly made the 1-5 post time favorite.

Never one to shy from a challenge though, driver Kevin Switzer, who had his pacer, Princeoftheforest, geared up for a big effort on Sunday, blasted the state-bred off the gate, easily gained the early lead and forced his undefeated foe to sit an unfamiliar third in the early portions of the mile.

The strategy proved masterfully useful as Switzer and his steed set speedy, uncontested fractions while Alittlebithiphop struggled to close ground in an unaccustomed first over attack.

Princeoftheforest, the 2016 freshman stakes champion, secured his first win of the current season by an imposing 7-1/2 length margin, romping to victory in a zippy 1:56.3.

The son of Baron Biltmore-Barbra Ann is trained and driven by Kevin Switzer for the ownership group of KDK Standardbreds of Harrington, Del. and Anthony Sivik, Jr of Orono, Maine.

Alittlebithiphop (E. Davis, Jr) rallied to secure the runner-up placing while Mic Woodrow (M. Graffam) finished third.

Scarborough Downs is pleased to present twilight harness racing on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. (EDT) with the Sunday matinee heading to post at 1:30 p.m.

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