by Mike Sweeney, publicity director, Scarborough Downs

Scarborough, ME — Maine Sire Stakes action anchored an extremely strong card on Sunday (July 22) as state-bred pacers, battling for more than $35,000 in purses, headed a 12-race program at Scarborough Downs.

Michael Newman photo

Royal Knockout secured her third seasonal win in stakes action on Sunday at Scarborough Downs.

Royal Knockout continued in her quest to add the sophomore pacing title to the freshman honors she earned last season, posting a convincing gate-to-wire victory dance in the first of three Maine Sire Stakes splits on Sunday.

Ably steered by conditioner Mike Graffam, the daughter of Ashlee’s Big Guy was never seriously challenged throughout the mile as she secured her third seasonal win from just four 2012 starts. The mile timed in 1:58 equaled her career standard. Ashlee’s Cool Gal (Mark Athearn) finished second, with Boy Crazy (Kevin Switzer, Jr.) completing the top three.

Aruba Sunshine executed a similar strategy in the second stakes division of the day, making every pole a winning one to extend her current win streak to two while securing a speedy new lifetime mark of 1:59.2 with driver/trainer Ron Cushing calling the shots for owner Joseph Trice. Magically (Gary Mosher) could make no headway despite the pocket trip, settling for runner-up honors, while Lady Cyclone (Kevin Switzer) was third.

Pembroke Cuddles claimed victory in her third consecutive start on Sunday as she took top honors in the third and final stakes split. Recognizing the successful strategy of both prior stakes winners, Heath Campbell quickly steered his charge to the top, then left the field in his wake as the tandem powered to a speedy 1:58.1 score. Owned by William Varney, the homebred daughter of Baron Biltmore tasted victory for the eighth time in her career. Call Me The Breeze (Wallace Watson) secured the place and Onetonine (Ron Cushing) settled for third best.

Maine Sire Stakes action continues all week long at Scarborough Downs with 2-year-old trotters taking center stage on Thursday (July 26), while their older brothers and sisters visit the raceway on Friday as the 3-year-old trotting divisions invade the Seaside Oval. Then on Saturday, the 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings top the bill as the state’s marquee division heads to Scarborough Downs. Post time all three days is slated for 4 p.m. (EDT).