Scarborough, Maine – July 21, 2018 … Two-year-old stakes racing made its seasonal debut at Scarborough Downs on Saturday (7/21) as a group of 7 Maine-bred pacing colts, freshmen all, gathered to contest a $10,635 premier of this Maine Sire Stakes division.
In imposing fashion, LucksRealDeal gave notice to the competition that he might well be the "real deal" of this class this season as he threw in an uber impressive pari-mutuel debut, following a pair of rather rocky, yet intriguingly promising prep miles.
The two-year-old son of Luckcamotion-Deal With Life had made breaks before the start in both his Baby Race appearances, only to rally smartly after resetting himself, while claiming back-to-back runner-up placings. Needing a flat line to qualify for his upcoming stakes engagements though, trainer Marc Tardif trucked his protege up to Bangor Raceway where the gelding proceeded to demoralize his competition, cutting the mile while pacing a back-half of 1:00.2, en route to a 39-1/4 length margin of victory.
That sturdy QueenCity form certainly carried over into Saturday's stakes event as driver Matty Athearn gunned his charge explosively off the car, through an opening panel of 28 seconds flat, gaining an easy early lead which they would never relinquish.
Owned in partnership by Marc Tardif and Lesley Leighton, the home-bred claimed a maiden speed record of 2:00.1 while cruising to 6-1/2 length margin at the wire.
Victoria's Maverick (Heath Campbell) racing as part of a mutuel entry, threw in a strong rally bid to secure runner-up honors, while Heza Deuce (Mark Athearn) raced in second position throughout the mile before settling for third best at the wire.
Maine Sire Stakes racing resumes at Scarborough Downs on Sunday (7/22) as the three-year-old pacing colts will take center stage, helping to anchor a strong 10-race program which will feature the 2nd annual Battle of the Ages driving challenge.
Scarborough Downs will proudly feature live harness racing on Thursday and Saturday at 4:30 p.m. (EDT) with the popular Sunday matinees getting underway at 1:30 p.m.
For more information, visit www.ScarboroughDowns.com or visit our Facebook page.
by Mike Sweeney, for Scarborough Downs