by Michael M. Sweeney, for Scarborough Downs

Scarborough, Maine — The tote board has been tested and the red carpet dusted off in anticipation of the opening of the fall campaign at Scarborough Downs.

The call to post will sound just prior to the 12:05 p.m. post time on Monday (October 8) with a strong 10-race Columbus Day program carded to kick off the season.

“Our schedule will remain constant into December with live harness racing featured every Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday afternoon,” said Downs’ Marketing Manager, Susan Higgins. “But post time has been moved up to 12:05 p.m. (EDT) due to the early autumn sunsets in southern Maine.”

The fans won’t have to wait long to delve right into top class excitement as feature race caliber competition has been slated for race three.

Commitment has been made the morning line favorite with leading driver Drew Campbell teaming for the red hot Heidi Rohr stable. This classy son of Artsplace is a 14-time winner this season, having found the winner’s circle in nine of his last 11 starts.

Jason Bartlett — who trails Campbell in the drivers’ standings by only three wins — will contend with Cartel Hanover. The 4-year-old son of The Panderosa has been sharp as tacks in all recent starts, boasting five consecutive victories heading into Monday’s contest.

Four Starz Prince may well prove to be the wildcard in this star-studded match-up as Frank Withee’s The Panderosa stud makes a rare start outside of Scarborough’s Open class level.

Though the autumn days grow shorter and the north winds blow brisker, the action will remain hot and heavy throughout the fall meeting at the seaside oval as live harness excitement returns to Maine’s premiere racing venue — Scarborough Downs.