Scarborough, Maine – August 5, 2017 … American Flambé found the recipe for success in the first of two freshman filly harness racing events as the two-year-old trotting divisions anchored an 11-race program at Scarborough Downs on Saturday (8/5). Entering the contest boasting a perfect four for four on-the-board ratio, she secure a seat at the big kids table on Saturday, tasting victory for the first time in her career, while stopping the tele-timer in 2:08 to claim the lion's share of the $9976 purse.
Driven by regular pilot Michael Cushing, he daughter of Boy Band-American Caviar stalked the expected early speed of June Carter Cast (G. Mosher), who attempted to lull the field to sleep through an opening half of 1:05, before aggressively pulling the pocket just past the 3/4-marker, applying persistent pressure to the front runner, and confidently measuring the wire.
American Flambé is trained by Charlene Cushing for the ownership partnership of Michael Graham, Michael Cushing and R. Nelson Di Pompo Jr.
June Carter Cast settled for the runner-up placing by the measure of a mere nostril while Shesaharleygirl (M. Athearn) finished third for the third time in her career.
It quickly became a waltz through the park for Pembroke Dancer in the $9977 second filly division as driver Heath Campbell confidently steered his charge to an early front end seat, expertly controlling the tempo, before sashaying home timed in 2:07. The win was the third consecutive and third career score for the daughter of CR Power Glide-Spring Laughter who is trained by Valerie Grondin for owner William Varney.
Wild Bandita (M. Athearn) threw in a convincing three wide rally to secure bridesmaid honors while Sweet Amy O (J. Beckwith) parlayed a first over journey into a third place showing.
The boys took center stage after the girls had completed their turn in the spotlight, and it was Pembroke Boss Man taking charge, developing a competent business plan and then executing the strategy to a tee while speeding to a brand new lifetime mark of 2:04.2 in the $10,097 freshman colt division.
Driver Heath Campbell’s colt effectively inherited the early lead, racing unhurried to the half in a soft 1:04.2 after both members of the heavily favored Gretchen Athearn mutuel entry (Mouthpiece and He'salilbitnoble) made costly breaks before the start. The son of Noble Venture-Phoenicia Hanover then ignited the afterburners to speed home in a sterling 1:00 flat en route to securing his third career win.
Cinamatic Venture (G. Mosher) threw in a game first over attack throughout that 1:00 back-half to gain the runner-up share while Myreh's God Son held steady position to grab the show.
Maine Sire Stakes action will return to Scarborough Downs on Thursday (8/10) as the two-year-old colt pacing division graces the seaside oval.
Scarborough Downs is pleased to present twilight harness racing cards on a Thursday and Saturday schedule at 4:30 PM (EDT) with the Sunday matinee heading to post at 1:30 PM.
For more information, visit www.ScarboroughDowns.com or visit our Facebook page.
By Michael Sweeney for Scarborough Downs