by Mike Sweeney, publicity director, Scarborough Downs

Scarborough, ME — Maine Sire Stakes activity wound down on Sunday (Sept. 2) as the 2-year-old preliminary rounds were completed at Scarborough Downs, on a day dominated by the Wallace Watson Stable. Driver/trainer Watson sent two stakes hopefuls to the post and walked away victorious with both.

Michael Newman photo

Driver/trainer Wallace Watson steered 2-year-old Maine Sire Stakes contender Neutral Data to a win at Scarborough Downs on Sunday.

The first win with Goin Manstyle resulted in a major upset as the son of Ashlee’s Big Guy-Eighth Wonder abruptly ended the six-race win streak of the prohibitive favorite, Summer Winds At Last (Greg Bowden), who was roughed up in the early going and faded to a well-beaten sixth. Goin Manstyle is co-owned by Watson and Robert Frazier.

Watson quickly followed up that performance with a win with stablemate Neutral Data. The double Maine-bred son of Neutralize-Red Hot Data won for the fourth time in his career and took over the top seat heading into next Sunday’s 2-year-old championship finals. Neutral Data is owned by long-time stakes participants Harold and Nancy Dresser.

With two colts now qualified for the championship round, it was confirmed today that Watson will drive Goin Manstyle, while top western New York driver Shawn Gray will return to his native state of Maine to handle the reins behind Neutral Data.

The Maine Sire Stakes championship 2-year-old finals will be contested at Scarborough Downs on Sunday (Sept. 9) with a post time of 1:05 p.m. and will feature an Italian buffet in The Downs Club for $10.99 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

The day will also feature driver autographs and raffles to benefit the Maine Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association’s Scholarship Fund. The 1999 Maine Sire Stakes 2-year-old filly pacing champion, Lady Katie, will also be in attendance at the event with her foal.