Scarborough, Maine –
-- Drew Campbell put on the definitive driving clinic of the 2009 harness
season on Sunday afternoon at Scarborough Downs, collecting seven
wins from eleven programmed drives while posting the most prolific
performance of the season at the seaside oval.
Campbell’s familiar orange and black colors paraded early and
often during the unseasonably warm late autumn program as he visited
the winner’s circle in harness to Ardens Highlander,
Preyingondaylite, Rachel’s Rich, Sheeza Shady Lady, Bird’s Eye View,
Kitty and Cohenucopia -- at one point securing top placings in five
consecutive races.
“ It’s never happened for me before”
Campbell remarked following his seventh trip down victory lane, “A
dozen or so times I’ve had six wins but never seven. I’ve
just been keenly focused on it today.”
Luck and skill played
an equally balanced hand on Sunday as Campbell not only made all the
right moves on the raceway but survived four tantalizingly close
photo-finishes to secure his personal best performance.
“The
photo-finish camera was on my side today – days like today are rare”
Campbell continued, “Friday I couldn’t do anything right. I was
getting photo’ed out, broken equipment, interference, just nothing
worked out. Today, I zigged when I should be zigging and zagged when
I should be zagging. So everything’s worked out and I’m going in the
right direction today. That doesn’t always happens -- but it’s
happening today.”
Without a doubt, Campbell was the most
happening driver on Sunday at Scarborough just as he has been for
much of the season. His meet’s leading tally of winning dashes now
stands at 205 for the season, fully 45 wins ahead of his nearest
rival Rob Dinning, and almost assuring the torrid teamster his third
consecutive Scarborough Downs’ driver’s title.
"It’s all in
a day’s work” Campbell concluded, “I’m hired to do this but it
doesn’t always work out quite on this scale. We’ll enjoy the good
fortune while it’s here.”
Just as the harness fans in Maine
will continue to enjoy their good fortune -- the opportunity to
witness an absolute craftsman -- as he puts in just another day at
work.
Scarborough Downs proudly features live harness racing every
Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 12:45 pm (EDT).
Drew Campbell guides Preyingondaylite to her 50th career victory on
Sunday at Scarborough Downs -- One of seven wins on the day for
the top-rated harness driver – Michael Newman photo
