13-year-old on winning track at Skowhegan State Fair

Skowhegan, Maine …. “Horses for courses” has been a handicapping theory for generations now, used by old-school punters for ages at bullrings around the world. But even in this day of statistically driven and digitally delivered data, it still holds great merit.

Pembroke Scorpio (Camluck) won for the seventh time of his career at the Skowhegan State Fair on Friday (August 16). It’s a pretty remarkable feat considering he’s only raced over that oval eleven times during his career. And with one of those early efforts at Skowhegan resulting in a shortly held divisional track record of 1:53.1, it’s always seemed like the now 13-year-old has saved some of his best efforts for this particular stop along the state-of-Maine fairground circuit.

The regally bred old timer out of the Abercrombie mare, Stylish Smile, has made the majority of his 252 career starts in the state-of-Maine, first harnessed out of the Valerie Grondin stable after being shipped up to her by Mark Ford, before eventually calling the shedrow of trainer Patty Sumner home. Under the guidance of Grondin and Sumner, Pembroke Scorpio has amassed 51 of his 52 lifetime wins, all of them coming within the confines of his adopted Pine Tree State home.

“Valerie loved this horse, and I do too” remarked Patty Sumner following Friday’s win, “When we ended up with him, Valerie told me we were the only outfit she would consider for his new racing home. If we didn’t take him she would have retired him because she wanted to make sure he ended up in the right situation. When a trainer really cares for a horse, you make decisions like that.”

Grondin’s decision has surely worked out fine for Pembroke Scorpio who looked sleek, shiny, and quite pleased with himself as Sumner cooled him out in Skowhegan’s outdoor paddock after the races.

“Drew (Campbell) is one of only two drivers I prefer to sit behind this horse” Sumner continued, “When he picked up the lines before the race today he asked me how the old boy was. I told him he’s his cranky old self so that means he’s good. Don’t mess this up.”

Campbell certainly took those instructions to heart, sending Pembroke Scorpio smartly from the gate, maintaining at least a one-length margin throughout the race, throwing in a powerful :58 back-half, before romping by 5-3/4 lengths at the wire in 1:59, paying $19.80 to win.

Pembroke Scorpio will continue along Maine’s fairground circuit this fall before competing at the commercial track meets at Bangor and First Tracks Cumberland toward the tail end of the year. But surely the cagey veteran will be looking long range to yet one more opportunity to shine at his favorite track, Skowhegan, next season, as he makes his retirement swing.

Horses for courses are determine that.

The Skowhegan State Fair meet will conclude on Saturday (August 16) with a 1:00 p.m. post time. Saturday’s card will feature the annual renewal of the $15,000 Walter Hight Memorial Invitational Pace.

Skowhegan’s simulcast will be available for viewing and wagering on most national ADWs and brick and mortar locations through an agreement with Great Pine Racing.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Mike Sweeney, for the Skowhegan State Fair