Topsham, ME – The 170th edition of the Topsham Fair wound down in grand fashion on Saturday (Aug. 10) as an overflow crowd packed the historic grandstands to pay witness to an epic accomplishment as So Rock N’ Roll (1:55.1-$2.60) blazed to a new track record in the annual $10,000 Topsham Fair Open.
Breaking third from the gate, driver Bruce Ranger was content to draft at the pylons behind legitimate early fractions set by JK Objection (Heath Campbell), who took the field smartly to the quarter in :28.4 before taking a slight breather to the half in :58.
Sensing the slight deceleration, Ranger tipped his charge just prior to the half, seeking engagement in first-over fashion, and steadily making headway as the tempo incrementally quickened.
Battling through a :28.3 third panel to reach the 3/4-mile marker in 1:26.3, So Rock N’ Roll came along side JK Objection, finally making contact a mere 3/4-length off the pacesetter. The tandem then matched strides into yet another :28.3 frame as they entered the final turn separated by scant whiskers. But as the they exited the bend the outcome became evident with So Rock N’ Roll gaining a full two-length lead at the top of the stretch.
In a test against time, Ranger allowed So Rock N Roll his head as they glided in front of the cheering fans, reaching the wire 4-1/2 lengths the best while the teletimer proclaimed a new track record for 4-year-old geldings in 1:55.1, supplanting the previous standard of 1:55.2 set by Alex Having Fun and driver Drew Campbell in the 2021 edition of the same race.
Owned and bred by Leighton Property and trained by Benson Merrill, the 4-year-old Maine-bred son of Western Maverick-So So Sweet adds the Topsham record to the same divisional standard earned at Bangor Raceway in his July victory in the $25,000 Fred Nichols Memorial. The win was his 11th of the season and pushed his career bankroll to $304,291.
“We knew he was a good horse off his record as a stakes horse when he transferred to our barn after his stakes had concluded last year” Merrill remarked, “So we had high expectations for him as he matured into a 4-year-old. We really didn’t know he would become this sort of pacer though and obviously we’re delighted with the results.
“The track record at Bangor showed that he had legit speed and 1:55.1 at Topsham is a pretty impressive mile, so we’ll hope for an invitation to the Hight Memorial at Skowhegan next week. I know there will be tough horses in that one but if he draws okay, he’s already shown he belongs.”
In other Topsham news, Merrill’s win with So Rock N’ Roll was one of three on the program for his outfit and elevated him into a tie with Valerie Grondin, who also harnesses three winners on Saturday, for leading trainer honors at the meet with five wins each.
Andy Harrington won the Topsham Fair drivers’ championship with eight scores over the course of the five-day meeting, one more than runner-up David Ingraham.
Maine’s fairground circuit now switches venues as the Skowhegan State Fair opens their weeklong harness racing meet starting on Sunday (Aug. 11) with post time scheduled for 1 p.m. (EDT).
Skowhegan’s simulcast will be available for viewing and wagering on most national ADWs and brick and mortar locations through an agreement with Great Pine Racing.