Scarborough, Maine (July 2, 2015) – The Maine Sire Stakes program made its 2015 debut at Scarborough Downs on Thursday (7/2) as the Heidi Gibbs/Ron Cushing roster served serious notice that they would be key players in the state-bred harness racing sophomore trotting divisions.
The tandem sent out winners in both splits with Sampsonofravencast kicking the action off in high gear, overcoming the extreme outside post to take a new lifetime mark (2:02.1) in the $12,216 colt division.
The son of Current Cast/Raven’s Ruby is owned in partnership by Joseph Trice and Ron Cushing and was bred by the Thunderbolt Farm.
Saving the best for last though, Tropical Trice slew the previously undefeated Bibbidi Boo to claim the lion’s share in the $12,226 filly division, an effort which featured a daring pocket-pulling maneuver at the ¾-mile marker followed by a doggedly determined stretch battle, resulting in the upset clocked in 2:01.4.
The daughter of Current Cast/Sharra Blue Chip is also owned by Joseph Trice and was bred by noted Maine stalwart, Richard Hartley.
Maine Sire Stakes action continues on Friday (7/3) as the three-year-old filly pacers will take center stage in twin splits being contested for $11,668 per. Post Time for the twilight performance is 4:30 p.m. (EDT).
Live racing is proudly featured at Scarborough Downs on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 4:30 p.m. (EDT). The Sunday matinee gets underway at 1:30.
For more information, visit www.ScarboroughDowns.com or our Facebook page.
By Michael Sweeney for Scarborough Downs