Brisk early speed proved not only to be the key winning strategy, but ultimately the saving grace for Alittlebithiphop, who remained undefeated as a sophomore, in what would evolve into an incident-marred edition of the three-year-old colt class of the Maine Sire Stakes program at Scarborough Downs on Saturday (June 8).
Trouble reared its ugly head early in the $10,778 split, just after the word 'go' was given in fact, as the favoured Kevin Switzer-trained mutuel-entry of Bilt For Delight and Princeoftheforest effectively took themselves out of the contest before entering the first turn. Bilt For Delight veered sharply right as he entered the bend, hooking up and entangling himself with his stablemate, before impeding and causing interference with half the field.
Alittlebithiphop and driver Eddie Davis Jr. were able to avoid the commotion unfolding behind them, as they sped out to an uncontested early lead before stopping the clock at the wire in a brand new career-best 1:57 clocking.
Trained by James Smallwood for owner Diane Bryant, the son of Baron Biltmore-Powder Hanover scored his fourth win of the season from four seasonal starts.
Justcallmedino (Mark Athearn) parlayed an unimpeded journey to the runner-up placing while Mic Woodrow (Michael Graffam), the only other horse to avoid the early mishap, finished third.
Maine Sire stakes action returns to the Downs on Thursday (July 13) as the two-year-old filly pacing divisions take their turn at the raceway.
Scarborough Downs is pleased to present twilight harness racing cards on a Thursday and Saturday schedule at 4:30 p.m. (EDT) with the Sunday matinee heading to post at 1:30 p.m.
(Scarborough Downs)