Shes A Maverick roars to Maine Sire Stakes victory
September 6, 2018,by Michael Sweeney, for Scarborough Downs
Scarborough, ME — Maine Sire Stakes action returned to Scarborough Downs on Thursday (Sept. 6) as the 3-year-old filly pacing division took center stage. Split into twin six-horse fields for purses of $11,606 and $11,605 respectively, the sophomore stakes stars anchored the twilight program.
Michael Newman photo
John Nason and Shes A Maverick (foreground) held their ground in their Maine Sire Stakes event on Thursday at Scarborough Downs.
Shes A Maverick fired the opening sire stakes salvo on Thursday as driver John Nason rifled his charge off the gate, gained the lead before reaching the eighth-mile marker, and from there enjoyed an advantage which the tandem never relinquished.
The filly survived a determined first-over, mid-mile attempt from eventual third-place finisher Perfect Maverick (Ron Cushing), only to drift wide into the stretch where she held off a fast-closing inside bid from favorite Gonna Hear Me Rohr (Drew Campbell).
Trained by Nason for owner Carolyn Corso, the win was the second consecutive score for Shes A Maverick, who put an end to the imposing five-race win streak of Gonna Hear Me Rohr with her effort.
In the second division, Saratoga Liz blew up the tote board, scoring an imposing win at 11-1 odds, as catch driver Matthew Athearn put the sophomore lass on the lead for the first time this season. From that coveted perch, the duo repelled all challengers en route to securing the second lifetime win for the daughter of Western Maverick and Laughs Last in a career best 2:00.2 clocking.
Tip Em Off (Dan Deslandes) rode the outer rim throughout, yet still held firm for the runner-up placing, while Luck Of The Deal (Eddie Davis Jr.) rallied from last to third to secure the show dough.
Maine Sire Stakes racing returns to Scarborough Downs on Saturday (Sept. 9) as the 3-year-old colt pacing division will anchor the twilight program. Three-year-old trotters invade the seaside oval on Sunday.
Scarborough Downs proudly features live harness racing during the coming week on Thursday and Saturday at 4:30 p.m. (EDT) with the popular Sunday matinees getting underway at 1:30 p.m.
Closing day of the summer meet is slated for Sept. 15.