by Mike Sweeney, for Scarborough Downs

Scarborough, ME — Kevin Switzer Jr. served notice in the early going on Saturday (June 7) that something special was about to happen at Scarborough Downs as the man in the blue and black colors pummeled an imposing driving colony into submission as he claimed the first of seven wins on the 11 race card.

Switzer’s prodigious performance was all the more remarkable considering that it was the most scores secured by a single driver since Water Case Jr. grabbed eight victories back in 1995. It also included top tallies in both Invitational events carded on the program.

“Walter Case was always a driver I idolized growing up,” Switzer remarked. “He had a talent to keep horses alive and it’s great to be mentioned in his company. I had a little luck to go around combined with a little bit of talent, and I benefited from driving some good horses.”

Sky Keeper took top honors in the second edition of the $10,000 Triple Crown Trot, demolishing an eight-horse field by multiple lengths in a lifetime-equaling 1:58. The win marked the fourth of the season for the 6-year-old son of Lockkeeper who is owned by Irwin Kaplin. This newcomer to the Pine Tree State has forged his way to the forefront since joining the Bo Sowers stable after shipping in from the tough Saratoga circuit. Wolf’s Milan (Eddie Davis Jr.) was a hard charging second while Neverdie (Michael Cushing) claimed the show dough.

Michael Newman photo

Art Of Illusion with driver Kevin Switzer Jr. wins the $10,000 Dirigo Pace, one of seven wins for Switzer on the 11-race program on Saturday.

Trainer Bo Sowers, utilizing the lightning-hot Switzer in the sulky, claimed the third of four wins from his roster on Saturday in the $10,000 renewal of the fabled Dirigo Pace with the classy veteran Art Of Illusion.

Quick to the lead and never looking back, the son of Real Artist soared to victory in 1:53.2, the fourth fastest clocking ever recorded in the history of Scarborough Downs. A relative newcomer to the local scene since being acquired by owner David MacDonald, Art Of Illusion extended his undefeated streak in Maine to four with the impressive score. Burkentine Hanover (Drew Campbell) was second with Western Victory (Wallace Watson) rallying for third.

“I thought I had a good shot with both of these horses today,” Switzer reflected. “I want to thank Bo and Tammy Sowers for giving me some great horses to drive today and I want to thank my family for always standing behind me.”

Kevin Switzer Jr. now moves into second place in the drivers’ leaderboard with 46 wins, trailing Drew Campbell by three tallies.

Live racing returns to Scarborough Downs on Thursday with a 4:30 p.m. post time The summer schedule is Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and the Sunday matinee at 1:05 p.m.