Switzer Sizzles Scoring Seven Wins at Scarborough Downs | |||
Michael Sweeney for Scarborough Downs | |||
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Kevin Switzer, Jr. served notice in the early going on Saturday that something
special was about to happen at Scarborough Downs as the man in the blue and
black colors pummeled an imposing driving colony into submission as he claimed
the first of seven wins on the eleven race card. Switzer's prodigious performance
was all the more remarkable considering that it was the most scores secured
by a single driver since Water Case, Jr. grabbed 8 victories back in 1995.
It also included top tallies in both Invitational events carded on the program.
“Walter Case was always a driver I idolized growing up,” Switzer remarked.
“He had a talent to keep horses alive and it’s great to be mentioned in his
company. I had a little luck to go around combined with a little bit of talent,
and I benefited from driving some good horses.”
Sky Keeper, took top honors in the 2nd edition of the $10,000 Triple Crown
Trot, demolishing an eight-horse field by multiple lengths in a lifetime-equaling
1:58. The win marked the fourth of the season for the six-year-old son of
Lockkeeper who is owned by Irwin Kaplin of Merrick, NY. This newcomer to the
Pine Tree State has forged his way to the forefront since joining the Bo Sowers
stable after shipping in from the tough Saratoga circuit.
Wolf's Milan (Eddie Davis, Jr) was a hard charging second while Neverdie (Michael
Cushing) claimed the show dough.
Trainer Bo Sowers, utilizing the lightning-hot Switzer in the sulky, claimed
the third of four wins from his roster on Saturday in the $10,000 renewal
of the fabled Dirigo Pace with the classy veteran Art Of Illusion. Quick to
the lead and to never look back, the son of Real Artist soared to victory
timed in 1:53.2, the fourth fastest clocking ever recorded in the history
of Scarborough Downs. A relative newcomer to the local scene since being acquired
by owner David MacDonald of Halifax, NS, Art Of Illusion extended his undefeated
streak in Maine to four-in-a-row with the impressive score.
Burkentine Hanover (Drew Campbell) was second with Western Victory (Wallace
Watson) rallying for third.
“I thought I had a good shot with both of these horses today,” Switzer reflected.
“I want to thank Bo and Tammy Sowers for giving me some great horses to drive
today and I want to thank my family for always standing behind me.”
Kevin Switzer, Jr. now moves into second place in the driver’s leaders board
with 46 wins, trailing Drew Campbell by three top tallies.
Live racing returns to Scarborough Downs on Thursday with a 4:30 post time;
the summer schedule is Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 4:30 pm and the Sunday
matinee at 1:05 pm.
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