Scarborough, ME — The 3-year-old pacing divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes program concluded a month-long residency at Scarborough Downs on Saturday (Aug. 3) as the sophomore steeds made their fourth consecutive appearance at the seaside oval, split into twin five-horse fields of fillies and a mirror image arrangement of colts.

Moonlightandroses claimed her third sire stakes victory of the year in the afternoon’s first $9,717 filly split, pouncing out of the pocket late while charting a brand new career pacing mark of 1:59.2 with customary driver Heath Campbell calling the shots. The reigning freshman champion, a daughter of Deuce Seelster-Guard The Rose, is trained by Valerie Grondin for owner Clark Bustard and has now finished either first or second in all of her 13 career starts.

Maydaymaverickhope (Steven Wilson) led throughout before settling for the runner-up placing. Gailsgirl N Motion (Matthew Athearn) rode the pylons for the show.

The second $9,717 filly division was won by another daughter of Deuce Seelster as Justcallme Bets struck the pike route while holding off a determined bunch at the wire to secure a brand new lifetime clocking of 2:00.3 with Matthew Athearn in the bike. Out of the broodmare Justcallmerosie, the filly claimed her eighth career win for trainer Gretchen Athearn and owner William Phipps in the process.

Wicked Wanda (David Ingraham) launched a game rally from far back to earn the bridesmaid share. Cominrightatyou (Ron Cushing) ended her two race win streak while settling for third.

Bait A Hook was a 1:58 winner. Michael Newman photo.

Deuce Seelster then completed a parenting trifecta of sorts as another of his get, Bait A Hook, grabbed top honors in the first $9,722 colt split of the afternoon. With David Ingraham at the helm, the win, timed in a seasonal best 1:58, was the third of the season for last year’s freshman champion. Out of the broodmare Josie Plumsted, Bait A Hook gave trainer Valerie Grondin and owner Clark Bustard their second sire stakes score of the day.

Lucksrealdeal (Matthew Athearn) tracked throughout to place second while Littlebitshady (Drew Campbell) was third.

Inches separated the field at the wire in the second $9,723 colt division as driver Gary Mosher popped CBF Bantam from the pocket in deep stretch to overtake the front running Maverick Art at the wire. Trained by David Crochere for co-owners Glenn Harris and Marion Phelps, the son of Baron Biltmore-Cohenucopia secured his second consecutive Maine Sire Stakes win, this one timed in 1:59.2.

Maverick Art (Bruce Ranger) continued his sizzling sophomore season by finishing second while Touch Of Character (Steven Wilson) rallied strongly for third.

The popular Sunday matinee will go to post at a special 1 p.m. post time tomorrow (Aug. 4) as the Downs plays host to its 15th annual Family Fun Day Festival. Live harness racing will continue next week with twilight cards scheduled for 4:30 p.m. (EDT) on Thursday and Friday while the Downs will be dark on Saturday (Aug. 10) as an accommodation to the Topsham Fair.

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