by Mike Sweeney, for Scarborough Downs

Scarborough, ME — Maine Sire Stakes action returned to Scarborough Downs on Sunday (July 27) as the 2-year-old colt pacing division made their second straight appearance. Split into two distinct flights whose makeup differed from last week’s lineups, the competition was surely varied yet the results held true to form.

Derek Davis photo

Pembroke Wildcat and Heath Campbell overcome muddy conditions to claim their third straight Maine Sire Stakes win.

Sailor Jerry rode a perfect five-for-five career record into battle in the first $10,154 flight and was sent to the post as the prohibitive fan favorite. The Cheyenne Hollywood-Allamerican Vigil colt grabbed the early lead which he maintained comfortably throughout the mile until in deep stretch when he felt pressure as Pembroke Maverick (Heath Campbell) pulled alongside.

This being the first time the prolific winner had ever been tested from behind, driver Andy Harrington touched the colt with his whip for perhaps the first time in his competitive career, but unlike Niatross at Saratoga, Sailor Jerry remained upright and true, remaining undefeated for owner/trainer Michael Graffam.

Pembroke Maverick fell just a half-length short as the runner-up while Hardcorjohnypawn (Kevin Switzer) rallied gamely for third in a mile which was timed in 2:04.4 over a muddy surface.

The winning streak also continued for driver Heath Campbell’s Pembroke Wildcat as the freshman son of Western Maverick-Saluki Hanover claimed his third consecutive top score in the $9,978 second division. Owned by William Varney, the gelding glided pillar to post in 2:06.1 over a deteriorating track rated two seconds off after absorbing the result of a passing thunderstorm.

Apollo’s Chariot (Ron Cushing), who had finished second to the streaking Sailor Jerry in each of his last two appearances, had to settle for the bridesmaid share once again while Western Moment (David Ingraham) just got up over Seablisscuit (Michael Graffam) to grab show dough.

In other track news, driver Heath Campbell held the hot hand on Sunday, steering three winners down victory lane while Kevin Switzer Jr. celebrated his 27th birthday with a pair of wins on the card.

Live harness racing resumes at Scarborough Downs next week on a Thursday through Saturday schedule with post time set for 4:30 p.m. (EDT) with the Sunday matinee slated for a 1:05 p.m. starting time.