The Maine Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association and Scarborough Downs will present the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes 2-year-old Trotting and Pacing Finals on Sunday, September 12, 2010. Post time is 1:30 pm. The total purses for the day are expected to exceed a quarter of a million dollars.

The horses competing in these finals are bred, trained and stabled right here in Maine, and have been battling it out in stakes competition across the state during the summer racing season. The top eight horses in each of the four divisions earned their berths into the finals and now they vie for the top spot of honor and prestige of being named the best “baby” in Maine.

“I’m very excited about Sunday’s finals, said MSBOA president, Mike Andrew of Gorham, whose 2-year-old filly Iza Bella and 2-year-old colt, Bee Moving will be competing in the trotting divisions on Sunday. “I’m very fortunate to have competitive horses eligible in both [colt and filly] trotting divisions,” he said. “They’ve done very well so far. Like all participants in the Sire Stakes program, you hope to get a horse to the finals. This is just a very exciting time for us.” Iza Bella set a track record at Scarborough Downs on September 2 (with driver Ivan Davies) as the fastest 2-year-old filly to ever race at the Seaside Oval, completing the mile in 2:03. Davies will once again drive Iza Bella in the filly trot division on Sunday from the #6 post position.

Andrew’s Bee Moving will have tough company in the Colt Trot division, though: Cranmeadow Express, who has been expertly driven and trained by 72-year-old veteran trot master, Paul Battis, remains undefeated, and rides a 9-race win streak into battle on Sunday. The only defeat this trotter ever has ever experienced was in his first baby race. Since then, he and Battis have never looked back. Cranmeadow Express leaves from post position #2.

In the Colt Pace division, TheNor’EasterBeast boasts a 7-race win streak for the East Pond Stable of Oakland, whose The Band From Boston was last season’s champion. The meet’s leading driver, Shawn Gray, will drive from post position #6.

In the Filly Pace division, Barbra Ann, owned by KDK Standardbreds, is the acknowledged rising star of this season’s Freshman Class. She has won 9 out of 10 races, and for the big day, she drew the highly-coveted #1 post position. Owner/trainer/driver Kevin Switzer has given up the reins for her on Sunday – Barbra Ann will be driven by Windsor-Maine native, Jason Bartlett, who is currently making a splash on the New York racing circuit and is one of the country’s hottest harness racing drivers. Bartlett returned home to Maine this past week to compete at the Windsor Fair for his hometown fans, and will drive 10 of the Sunday’s 12 races at the Downs. Switzer will drive his other stakes entry, Maeve, from spot #1A.

While Barbra Ann is considered the one to beat, her winning streak was, in fact, interrupted by the William Varney entry, Pembroke Bow Bow, at Windsor Fair last week. Pembroke Bow Bow drew the #2 post position (with driver Heath Campbell), so fans can expect an intense battle for the Filly Pacer Crown out on the raceway.

Breeders Stakes Day will also feature a book signing by Maine author, Shirley Hanley, whose children’s book, Horse Memories of Luck Ahead helps children go through the grieving process. Copies will be available for purchase and signing will take place in the Grandstand.

Additionally, The Downs Club will be open and will feature a complete lasagna dinner for $9.95 + tax, beginning at 12:30 pm. For reservations, call 207-883-3022.

Admission is Free.

For more information, contact Susan Higgins, Director of Marketing. Tel: 207-756-9732 (cell) or via email at shiggins@scarboroughdowns.com