by Michael Sweeney, for Scarborough Downs

Scarborough, ME — The Mike Graffam stable enjoyed a banner day at Scarborough Downs on Thursday (August 13), claiming victory in two $9,649 divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes program for 2-year-old pacing fillies.

Derek Davis photo

The Last Ruler, final daughter of the great Radiant Ruler, cruises to her maiden win at Scarborough Downs with Michael Graffam calling the shots.

The afternoon began in sentimental fashion as Graffam coaxed the first career victory from his homebred filly aptly named The Last Ruler. The final get from the once dominate stallion Radiant Ruler made her daddy and his longtime connections proud as she flaunted a powerful move up the backstretch en route to her first winner’s circle session, ending in the process the perfect five-for-five career of prohibitive post time favorite Dramattic Breeze.

Graffam wasted little time in doubling his stakes pleasure on Thursday, roaring right back down victory lane in harness to Carly, another from his stable of budding freshman stars, steering the rookie daughter of Computer Scooter clear of congested trailers to secure her first lifetime win.

Maine Sire Stakes action returns to the Downs on Saturday (August 15) as the 2-year-old colt pacers provide the undercard excitement for the $50,000 Joseph Ricci Memorial Trot.

Scarborough Downs proudly features live harness racing every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 4:15 p.m. (EDT). The popular Sunday matinees feature a 1:30 p.m. post time.