August 5, 2025 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes

(Stephanie Gray photos)

TOPSHAM, ME – A true sign of summer is when the Maine Sire Stakes and harness racing in general makes its annual swing into the Pine Tree State’s agricultural fair circuit.  Monday (Aug. 4) the region’s 3-year-old filly pacers rolled into the historic Topsham Fair for two $11,000-plus divisions of sidestepping action. 

In the $11,802 pari-mutuel division Leanne Marie (4/5, Mike Cushing) left swiftly from post two to grab the lead just past the :30 opening panel.  From that point the daughter of Artistic Fella was on cruise control through a mid-way marker of 1:01.1.

With Chasing Dudes (3-1, Andy Harrington) sitting a tight pocket and Wishin For Kisses (8-1, Kevin Switzer Jr.) racing third, the pacesetter hit the third panel in 1:31.3.

As the field turned for home the pocket-sitting filly Chasing Dudes tipped out and took aim at the leader, outpacing Leanne Marie to the wire to score by a quarter-length in 2:03.

Co-Owned and trained by Mike Graffam with partner and breeder Bob Marston, the daughter of Dude’s The Man grabbed her second win of the season, and sixth lifetime victory.  She paid $7.80 to win and increased her lifetime bankroll to $132,491.

Wishin For Kisses finished third.

In the other $11,576 Maine Sire Stakes division for sophomore distaff pacers, which was contested before the regular card, McGwire Sowers sent Whisper Of Luck out to an early lead after exchanging a give-and-go with stable mate Thinkin Bout Life (Switzer Jr.) past the :31.2 quarter-mile marker. 

The daughter of Artistic Fella led the field into a 1:02.1 half, with Dudes Pretty Chick (Heath Campbell) first up and Glorilla (Aaron Hall) giving chase second over in fourth.

By the 1:32.3 third panel the advancers were advancing on the pacesetter, who ultimately succumbed to the speed of Glorilla.  The Aaron Hall-trained daughter of Dude’s The Man used a swift :30.2 final quarter to pass her fellow combatants and secure the victory by a cool pair of lengths in 2:03.1.

Glorilla is owned by Ron Cushing and was bred by Kevin Sywyk and picked up her third lifetime victory with earnings at $47,233.

Thinkin Bout Life finished second; Dudes Pretty Chick was third.

Looking ahead, with Maine’s pari-mutuel tracks on summer hiatus, all of the Pine Tree State-bred 2- and 3-year-old trotters invade the Topsham Fair on Wednesday (Aug. 6).  Next up are the 3-year-old male pacers on Thursday (Aug. 7) and 2-year-old filly pacers on Saturday (Aug. 9).

For more information about the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes, follow our facebook page @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website:  https://www.mainesirestakes.com

August 3, 2025 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Maine’s freshmen pacers are often a pre-cursor to future Standardbred stars in the Pine Tree State, and this season is proving to be no exception as Real Horrorshow continues to show that he is for real as divisional participants helped pull the curtain down on Saturday (Aug. 2) for Cumberland Raceway’s closing day. 

In his $11,623 division of the Maine Sire Stakes driver Kevin Switzer Jr. put the heavy 1/9 favorite on the lead as the field chased him to the :29.3 opening panel.

By the 1:00.3 mid-way station a head strong Dude’s The Jet (Aaron Hall) had ranged up for a challenge first over with Daytoremember (Heath Campbell) enjoying a tight garden spot journey.

With a tight pack in his rearview mirror and the pocket sitter poised to pounce, Switzer Jr. let out a notch past the 1:31.2 third stanza, but couldn’t shake his pesky nemesis Daytoremember.

Down the stretch Heath Campbell was closing fast, but Real Horrorshow who was kept on high alert by his pilot, managed to secure a tight quarter-length victory in 2:00.2.

Trained by Kevin Switzer Sr. for owners KDK Standardbreds, Kathleen Mofield and Anthony Sivik Jr., the son of Dude’s The Man paid $2.20 for his fourth consecutive stakes victory.

Bred by Luke and Patricia Varnun, ‘horrorshow’ is the phonetic spelling of ‘good’ in the language of Nadset, which was the dialect spoken in the 1971 cult classic film Clockwork Orange.  Real Horrorshow is from the Varnum’s Yankee Cruiser mare Pretty Eyes p,3,1:51.4 ($96,242) and is considered one of their favorite horses.

Daytoremember was a fast closing second; Wowzah Clousah (Mike Cushing) was third.

In the other $11,623 division an upset in week four of the Pine Tree State freshmen stakes, provided for a double digit payout.

Second choice Ghost Of Winter (6/5, Switzer Jr.) left swiftly with favorite Nuh Uh (4/5, Aaron Hall) dropping in the two-hole in route to the moderate :30.3 opening panel.

Not much movement led to an easy 1:02 half-mile marker, prompting Mia’s Boy (6-1, Mark Athearn) to pull from fourth and challenge first over down the backstretch while heading to the 1:33 third station.

While the loose pocket sitting Nuh Uh was busy looking into the infield around the final turn, Mia’s Boy had collared the steppy pacesetter and was turning the heretofore uneventful event into a horse race.

With his momentum interrupted, Ghost Of Winter was unable to stave off the closing speed of Mia’s Boy, as the latter got up by a head for the victory in 2:03.1, a maiden-breaking effort.

Driven by Mark Athearn for trainer Gretchen Athearn and owners Eric Dickson and Peter Whitmore, the son of Thirty Two Red was bred by Deborah Doane.  He paid $15.80 to win his first lifetime start.

Looking ahead, with Maine’s pari-mutuel tracks on summer hiatus, the Pine Tree State-bred 3-year-old filly pacers head to the Topsham Fair on Monday (Aug. 4), with the 2- and 3-year-old trotters coming right back on Wednesday (Aug. 6).

For more information about the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes, follow our facebook page @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website:  https://www.mainesirestakes.com

August 2, 2025, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Massive Speed showed that he is the big man on campus this season in the Maine Sire Stakes 3-year-old male pacing division, picking up his fifth in a row on Friday (Aug. 1) at Cumberland Raceway.

Winning the first $11,937 division of the glamour boys group in lifetime best equaling 1:57.4, the Marc Tardif trainee has not seen the back of helmet since last season when he anointed himself the ‘Maine’ Monster of the Midway with a perfect 10-for-10 in the freshman follies.

Driven from pillar to post by Bruce Ranger for owner Leighton Property, the son of Dude’s The Man has earned a handsome sum of $30,291 this year, to bring his lifetime bankroll to $164,821.  

Bred in Maine by Laurie Harding, Massive Speed won in hand by 4-3/4 lengths and paid $2.40 as the 1/5 favorite.  Race Me Celtic (Drew Campbell) finished second; Ridgecrest Dan (John Nason) was third.

In the second $11,937 division Keenan Star (9-2, Heath Campbell) rolled out to an early lead, clearing just after the :28.3 opening panel.  Easing the tempo a bit, the son of Western Maverick led the pack through a softer :59.2 mid-way point.

Public choice No Guts No Glory (4/5, McGwire Sowers) got away last and had made up significant ground and headed the pacesetter into the 1:29 third panel.  While the aggressor showed some guts with his first over move, he failed to reap the glory as Keenan Star fought back and drew away with a length victory in 1:59.2.

Owned, trained and bred by Valerie Grondin, it was the first win of the year for the homebred colt, earning a new time badge for his efforts.  He paid $11.00 to win.

I’m Not Maverick (Mike Stevenson) finished second; Just Aftermidnight (Kevin Switzer Jr.) was third.

Driver Kevin Switzer Jr. led all drivers with three wins on the program.

Racing resumes on the final day of the summer meet Saturday (Aug. 2), which includes a full card simulcast of Hambletonian Day from the Meadowlands, as well as two $11,623 divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old male pacers.  Doors open at 12 noon, but first live post is still 3:15 pm.

The featured race of the day is the annual $25,000 Pine Tree Invitational Pace, which is carded as race nine.  Leading the charge in this group is Tenzing Bromac N (2-1, Ron Cushing) who was just third in the $75,000 Beckwith Memorial at Plainridge.  With 20 wins down under, the 8-year-old son of Bettor’s Delight is making his first start on a half-mile track.

Former Maine Sire Stakes star Two Fold Cold (5-2, Dave Ingraham) is the second choice from post four, and he finished second in that same rich Beckwith Mem.

In addition, there are two $11,623 divisions of 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers, a $10,000 Open Trot, and three $8,000 End of Summer Pop Up Series finals.

Post time for both days is 3:15 pm, and there is a Trifecta in all races, and the program also features a plethora of exotic wagers.  Cumberland’s Pick 5 begins with the third race, and continues with our Pick 4 and Pick 3 toward the tail end of the program, and concludes with our High-Five Pentafecta in the final race—all with low 16% takeouts.

Live video and replays can be found on our website: firsttrackscumberland.com on the Live Racing / Video Replays tab.

July 28, 2025, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photo: SNOWONTHEPINES)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Two $11,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old filly pacers rolled through Cumberland Raceway on Sunday (July 27), with both distaffs taking new records in the process.

In the first $11,623 division Snowonthepines made every call a winning one, with nary an anxious moment, en route to a 2:01.4 new lifetime record.

Driven by Kevin Switzer Jr. for trainer Marc Tardif and owner/breeder Leighton Property, the daughter of Dude’s The Man has now secured three straight victories in her division and sits comfortably atop the point standings.

She paid $3.00 to win by 2-1/2 lengths.  Perfectly Lovely (Aaron Hall) finished second; She’s A Firefly (Nick Graffam) was third.

Switzer also got pay dirt in the second $11,799 division with McKenna Jeanne, scoring by a neck in a new career best 2:03.  Trained by Gary Hall for owner/breeder Bill McElvain Jr., the daughter of Dude’s The Man paid $4.20 for her first stakes victory in wire-to-wire fashion.

Ekorus (Nick Graffam) sat a pocket trip and closed strongly and got up to the victor’s head check to be second.  Dudelookslikeafily (McGwire Sowers) finished third.

Several $6,000 End of Summer Pop Up series legs were contested, with legs going to Royalty Again (1:57.1, $13.00); Miki De Vie (1:57.3, $2.60); Commondiscourtesy (1:57.3, $7.40) and Prince Bayard (1:57, $3.40) on the pacing side.  Trotting legs went to Devious Valentine (2:02.1, $5.40) and Gemstone Pillar (2:02.1, $5.00).  The finals will race for $8,000 each on Saturday’s (Aug. 2) closing day.

Ryan Berry won the $4,000 Maine Amateur Driving Club with his own Juneparker in 2:00.2, paying $4.00.

Drivers Bruce Ranger and Kevin Switzer Jr. each enjoyed four wins on the program, and with his recent flurry of victories Switzer Jr. has taken the top in seasonal dash wins (51) leading into the final week of racing at Cumberland.  McGwire Sowers (48) and Drew Campbell (33) round out the top three in the talented drivers colony.

Replays can be found on our website: firsttrackscumberland.com on the Live Racing / Video Replays tab.

Racing resumes on Friday (Aug. 1) at 3:15 pm, and will continue through the final day of the Summer meet Saturday (Aug. 2), which features a full card simulcast of the Hambletonian from the Meadowlands and the $25,000 Pine Tree Invitational Pace.

July 27, 2025, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – A relative tsunami of Maine-bred trotters converged on Cumberland Raceway on Saturday (July 26) afternoon, with six $11,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for the 2- and 3-year-old diagonally gaited sets.

Last year’s freshman trotting champion, Whatawonder (1/5), made his sophomore debut in his $11,976 division, after missing the first four weeks of the series.  Regular pilot Ken Watson put the son of Whataworkout on the lead where the heretofore unbeaten gelding likes to be placed.

However, by the third station Liberty’s Wildcard (8/5, Kevin Switzer Jr.), this year’s star with the unblemished record had other intentions.  He looked the pacesetter right in the eye, and went right on by.  Lengthening his lead with every stride, the son of Noble Venture rolled on to win by 3-3/4 lengths in 2:02, a new lifetime best.

Trained by Marc Tardif for owner Leighton Property, it was the fifth consecutive victory for the divisional leader Liberty’s Wildcard.  He was bred by Jerry Stratton Jr. and paid $5.40.

In the first of two $11,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old trotting fillies Little Shot (2-1, Ivan Davies) sat a perfect two-hole trip behind Race Me Bombshell (7-1, Drew Campbell) and took their shot down the backstretch.  Ultamately, Little Shot overpowered the pacesetter to score by a length in 2:03.2, a seasonal mark and first win of the year.

Also trained by Ivan Davies, the daughter of Noble Venture is owned and was bred by Dr. Douglass Hutchins.  She paid $4.40 to win.  Heavy 1/5 favorite Barbella (Nick Graffam) recovered from several miscues to be third.

In the second division for sophomore trotting fillies even money favorite Twisted Fate (Mike Cushing) cruised to a wire-to-wire romp in a lifetime best 2:04 by over 10 open lengths.

Trained by Mike Cushing for owners / breeders Mike Graham and Nelson DiPompo Jr., the daughter of Whataworkout paid $4.20.

Pandemic Princess (Heath Campbell) finished second; Belabelle (Eric Bickmore) was third.

The virtual tornado of trotting bloodstock resulted in half the day’s program dedicated to the Pine Tree State-bred dynamos, with all divisions of freshman trotters also up for grabs. 

The $11,254 Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old trotting fillies was captured by Hayden, who went from pillar to post from pylon position for trainer driver Gary Hall in 2:06, a new lifetime best.

Owned and bred by Stephen Hall, her only anxious moment came from Our Last Quote (7-1, Steve Wilson) who got to within a head of the pacesetter as the duo matched strides down the homestretch.  Hayden, a daughter of Cantab Fashion, paid $6.00 to win.

Nobella (16-1, Ken Watson) finished third.

Pembroke Lady (1/9, Heath Campbell) went a virtual training mile in the other $11,429 division for 2-year-old trotting fillies, scoring in a new lifetime best 2:07.4 by four open lengths.  Trained by Valerie Grondin for owner Brenda Varney, she paid $2.20 and was bred by the late Bill Varney.

Roseapple Ave (Wally Watson) finished second; Race Me Boomer (Bill Childs) was third.

Heavy 1/9 favorite Wilder N Idy also had things his own way in the freshman colt split, winning by half of the length of the stretch in 2:03.4, which shaved a full four seconds off his previous lifetime best.

Driven by Mark Athearn for trainer Gretchen Athearn and owner Patrick Leavitt, the son of Cantab Fashion paid $2.20 and was bred by the late Mike Andrew.

Gus’s Workout (Heath Campbell) finished second; Trottinfortreasure (Switzer Jr.) was third.

Sunday’s (July 27) special 12 noon card welcomes two $11,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old filly pacers, as well as six individual $6,000 End of Summer Pop Up series legs with finals going on closing day (Aug. 2) for $8,000.

As always, there is a Trifecta in all races, and the program also features a plethora of exotic wagers.  Cumberland’s Pick 5 begins with the third race and continues with our Pick 4 and Pick 3 toward the tail end of the program, and concludes with our High-Five Pentafecta in the final race—all with low 16% takeouts.  Saturday (July 26) brings a $720.05 carryover in the Pentafecta.

Live video and replays can be found on our website: firsttrackscumberland.com on the Live Racing / Video Replays tab.

First Track’s Cumberland Spring/Summer meet will continue through August 2, featuring full card simulcast of the Hambletonian from the Meadowlands.

July 26, 2025, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Driver Kevin Switzer Jr. pulled off a clean sweep of the Maine Sire Stakes on Friday (July 25) at Cumberland Raceway, en route to winning five races over the course of the entire 12-race program.

In the featured pair of $11,623 divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings, all eyes were upon the unbeaten Real Horrorshow (1/9, Switzer Jr.) as the freshmen standout was looking for his third straight victory in his Pine Tree State-bred division.  The son of Dude’s The Man did not disappoint as he sprung from the gate and never looked back. 

Arriving at the opening station in :29.3, the followers Daytoremember (7-2, Heath Campbell) and Wowzah Clousah (19-1, Mike Cushing) scurried to keep up the pace from their respective second and third positions.

Heading into the softer 1:01.1 half mile marker the parked out Dude’s The Jet (20-1, McGwire Sowers) had ranged his way up to challenge in second.  Down the backstretch Real Horrorshow let out a notch with Daytoremember right on his helmet, while Dude’s The Jet succumbed to that good Downeast air following a 1:30.2 third panel.

Rolling down the stretch Daytoremember made it a horse race as he stayed within a few steps of the pacesetter.  However Real Horrorshow showed that he is the real thing as he stayed focused and paced to a new lifetime best 1:59.1, winning by 1-1/2 lengths.

Trained by Kevin Switzer Sr. for owners KDK Standardbreds, Kathleen Mofield and Anthony Sivik Jr., he paid $2.20 as the heavy favorite.  He was bred in Maine by Luke and Patricia Varnum.

Wowzah Clousah hung on for third.

In the other $11,623 division for male freshmen sidesteppers the Tardif Taskforce came loaded for bear and proceeded to hit the 2-3-1 Trifecta ($13.00).

Ghost Of Winter (3-2, Switzer Jr.) took the field to the :29.4 opening panel, with Deuces Red (12-1, Nick Graffam) parked on the outside of Nuh Uh (3/5, Aaron Hall) as the field continued through the first circuit.  Past the 1:00.4 mid-way point, not much had changed, and by the 1:31 third panel Deuces Red was still parked and pulling the ear plugs. 

Around the final turn driver Andy Harrington pulled Quint Asper (11-1) three wide around stalling cover to engage the leaders.

Down the lane Ghost Of Winter drifted out a bit allowing Nuh Uh up the inside and the pair battled down stretch.  Under the shadow of the wire the pacesetter got a little steppy but managed to prevail by a scant quarter length in 2:01.4 over Nuh Uh.

Driven by Kevin Switzer Jr. for trainer Marc Tardif and owner Leighton Property, the son of Deuce Seelster picked up his maiden victory along with a new time badge.  He paid $5.00 to win and was bred by Kristina Hall.

Marc Tardif was also the trainer of second place finisher Nuh Uh, as well as Silence Ofdarkness (23-1, Sowers) who got up for third.

Jax Spratt won the featured $5,500 conditioned trot in 2:01.1.  Trained and driven by Aaron Hall for owner Bill Phipps, the 5-year-old son of Devious Man paid $9.00 to win.

Driver Kevin Switzer Jr. led all drivers by winning a total of five races on the program.

Looking ahead to Saturday (July 26) all the Maine-bred trotters converge upon Cumberland for six $11,000-plus divisions for both 2- and 3-year-olds of both genders.  Post time is the regular  3:15 pm.

Sunday’s (July 27) special 12 noon card welcomes two $11,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old filly pacers, as well as six individual $6,000 End of Summer Pop Up series legs with finals going on closing day (Aug. 2) for $8,000.

As always, there is a Trifecta in all races, and the program also features a plethora of exotic wagers.  Cumberland’s Pick 5 begins with the third race and continues with our Pick 4 and Pick 3 toward the tail end of the program, and concludes with our High-Five Pentafecta in the final race—all with low 16% takeouts.  Saturday (July 26) brings a $720.05 carryover in the Pentafecta.

Live video and replays can be found on our website: firsttrackscumberland.com on the Live Racing / Video Replays tab.

First Track’s Cumberland Spring/Summer meet will continue through August 2.

July 25, 2025 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Hollianne Niles photos)

BANGOR, ME – The Pine Tree State’s 3-year-old pacing fillies helped kick off Maine’s legendary fair season at Bangor Raceway on Thursday (July 24) with two $11,000-plus divisions competing in the twilight.

In the first $11,701 division Chasing Dudes (8-5, Andy Harrington) blasted out to the lead from the outside, followed closely by Glorilla (15-1, Aaron Hall) who ducked quickly into the garden spot.

The field remained in single file fashion through the :30 quarter.  However, McGwire Sowers (29-1) tipped Dude’s Treasure from fifth while heading into the 1:01.4 half, which flushed the cover of wagering favorite Leanne Marie (3/5, Mike Cushing).

With the favorite ranging up swifty, Leanne Marie was able to duck into the two hole left by a gapping Glorilla, as Dude’s Treasure continued her uncovered journey through the 1:31.2 third panel.

Around the final turn an advancing Dude’s Treasure was closing the gap on the pacesetting Chasing Dudes, and then jumped off stride, giving the favored Leanne Marie plenty of room to tip out and roll down the stretch a half-length victor in 2:01.3.

Driven by Mike Cushing for trainer Charlene Cushing and owners/breeders Pamela Smith, Jane DiPompo and Charlene Cushing, the daughter of Artistic Fella picked up her third stakes win of the season, paying $3.20 to win.  Her seasonal winnings are now $23,682, and she leads the division in the point standings.

Chasing Dudes hung on for second; Glorilla finished third.

In the second $11,702 division for sophomore sidestepping distaffs, it was a cavalry charge down to the wire with a blanket finish and just a quarter length separating the first three fillies.

At the start the favorite Dudes Pretty Chick (7-2, Heath Campbell) went out for early position along with Wishin For Kisses (4-1, Sowers) who ultimately took command.  Through the first turn Dudes Pretty Chick made a break causing confusion among trailing horses and ducked inside pylons.

Wishin For Kisses brought the field through the :29.4 opening panel with Audry (5-2, Steve Wilson) sitting second and Moonbeam Magic (14-1, Dave Ingraham) third.

While heading past the midway point in 1:01.2, Kevin Switzer moved first up with Thinkin Bout Life (3-1), followed by Dudes Pretty Chick who regained her composure.  They battled down the backside the final time, with the outer flow gaining ground into a 1:32.1 third panel.

With the pacesetter calling it a day, Thinkin Bout Life was rallying down the lane with Dudes Pretty Chick alongside and Moonbeam Magic looking swoop on the far outside.

Under the dusk of sunset Thinkin Bout Life prevailed by a tight quarter length in 2:04.2, with Moonbeam Magic getting up for second and Dudes Pretty Chick hanging on for third…all within a quarter length.

Driven by Kevin Switzer Jr. for trainer/owner/breeder Marc Tardif, it was the second consecutive victory for the daughter of Dude’s The Man, increasing her seasonal total to $17,371.  She paid $8.80 for the score.

Looking ahead on Friday (July 25), Cumberland hosts two $11,623 divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings.  Saturday (July 26) all the Maine-bred trotters converge upon Cumberland for six $11,000-plus divisions for both 2- and 3-year-olds of both genders. Sunday’s (July 27) special 12 noon card welcomes two $11,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old filly pacers.

For more information about the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes, follow our facebook page @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website:  https://www.mainesirestakes.com

July 21, 2025 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Hollianne Niles photos)

BANGOR, ME – The Maine Sire Stake’s glamour boys division has a familiar superstar this year as Massive Speed has continued his reign of supremacy on Sunday (July 20) at Bangor Raceway.

Two $11,937 divisions for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings were contested in the slop at historic Bass Park, with the first round witnessing an easy victory for the four-time seasonal stakes winner. 

Already known as last season’s 2-year-old Maine pacing champion, the son of Dude’s The Man picked up the services of Aaron Hall of the day’s events, which was little more than a training mile for the lifetime winner of $158,853. 

While the early pedestrian fractions of :31.1 and 1:03.3 onlookers may have pondered that the race was still undecided as stable mate Dawn Two Dark (3-1, McGwire Sowers) was poised to pounce in the two-hole.

But Hall was just toying with the field as he tapped the Massive Speed accelerator and hit the third panel in 1:34.  Around the final turn Dawn Two Dark popped the deuce prompting Hall to hit the afterburners and the colt responded with a :28.4 final quarter to splash home in 2:02.4 by a measured 1-1/4 lengths. 

Undefeated at 3, Massive Speed is trained by Marc Tardif for owner Leighton Property and now has 14 wins lifetime.  He was bred in Maine by Laurie Harding and paid $2.20 as the 1/9 favorite.

Dude’s Wanted Man (18-1, Heath Campbell) finished third.

In the second $11,937 division of sophomore male pacers last week’s victor Race Me Celtic (1-1, Drew Campbell) got out to an early lead and towed his fellow competitors along though the muck in :29.2 and 1:01.4 opening panels.  Ridgecrest Dan (7/5, John Nason) left alertly as well, ducking into the pocket for a tight seat.

Past the half Keenan Star (9/2, Heath Campbell) moved first over with Cheatin Fate (12-1, Hall) right on his helmet second up.  Around the five-eighths Hall sensed stalling cover and moved three wide down the backside to engage the leaders.

The pacesetter Race Me Celtic started to get leg weary as well, prompting John Nason to pull the right line on Ridgecrest Dan and apply more pressure to the leader as they reached the third station in 1:31.4.

Those two fought toe-to-toe in the off-going around the final turn with Ridgecrest Dan using his momentum and pocket trip stamina to roll down the lane a 1-1/2 length victor in 2:01.1.

Trained and driven by 69-year-old veteran horseman John Nason, it was the third seasonal victory for the son of Dude’s The Man who is owned by Bill ‘Yarmouth Lumber’ Phipps.  He was bred by Jason Vafiades and paid $4.80 to win.

No Guts No Glory (13-1, Sowers) finished second; Race Me Celtic hung on for third.

Looking ahead, Friday’s (July 25) Cumberland program hosts the Maine Sire Stakes 2-year-old male pacers.  The following day, Saturday (July 26) brings back all divisions of Maine-bred trotters to Cumberland.  Sunday’s (July 27) special 12 noon card at Cumberland hosts the Pine Tree State’s 2-year-old pacing fillies.

For more information about the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes, follow our facebook page @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website:  https://www.mainesirestakes.com

July 20, 2025, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Two $11,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old filly pacers opened the program at Cumberland Raceway on Saturday (July 19) for week two of the freshmen Pine Tree State-bred action.

In the $11,623 opener wagering favorite Snowonthepines (1/5, Kevin Switzer Jr.) stormed to the lead from post five, after being parked to the opening panel by Heymickeyyousofine (5/2, John Nason) in :31 seconds flat.

The field progressed in single file fashion until the softer 1:03.4 half mile marker where She’s A Firefly (10-1, Nick Graffam) brushed first over to improve position from sixth.  The aggressor drew even with the pacesetter past the 1:34.3 third station, however, She’s A Firefly could not maintain her pace around the final turn, allowing Snowonthepines to pace away from the field and roll down the stretch.

Tripping the timer in 2:05 like breaking sticks, the daughter of Dude’s The Man is trained by Marc Tardif and owned by her breeder Leighton Property.  She paid $2.40 to win her second consecutive lifetime stakes victory by 2-1/2 lengths.

Heymickeyyousofine got up for second, She’s A Firefly hung on for third.

In the second $11,798 division Perfectly Lovely made every call a winning one, stepping out to the front and never looking back.  Driven by Aaron Hall, the 3/5 favorite led the field through opening fractions of :30.2 and 1:03, relatively unfettered.

However, while approaching the 1:34.4 third panel McKenna Jeanne (6/5, Heath Campbell) blasted up to challenge for the lead.  That effort was short-lived as the final turn caused an unsteady gait which allowed the pacesetter to power down the stretch and score by 1-1/2 lengths in 2:04.1, a new lifetime best.

Trained by Jimmy Nickerson for owner Joseph Trice, the daughter of Western Maverick was bred in Maine by Lynn-Marie Plouffe.  She paid $3.20 to win.

Ekorus (10-1, Graffam) finished second; McKenna Jeanne was third.

In the $6,000 winners over class, Drew Campbell scored from post seven with Instant Replay (1:55.2, $4.20) in one of the fastest miles of the season.  Trained by Kimberly Vafiades for owner Jason Vafiades, it was his first win of the year.

Ryan Berry took the $4,000 Maine Amateur Driving Club event with his own June Parker (1:58.1) and paid a whopping $36.20.

Kevin Switzer Jr. and Drew Campbell each enjoyed three wins on the program.  McGwire Sowers leads all drivers with 47 victories during the Spring/Summer meet.  With five cards remaining, Switzer is second with 37, Drew Campbell is third with 33.  Autumn Sowers (34) and Benson Merrill (29) lead the trainer’s standings.

Racing resumes on Friday (July 25) with two $11,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing colts and gelding, followed by full cards on Saturday (July 26) and a special added program on Sunday (July 27) with a 12:00 noon post time.

Live video and replays can be found on our website: firsttrackscumberland.com on the Live Racing / Video Replays tab.

First Track’s Cumberland Spring/Summer meet will continue throughout the Summer months with regular racing on Friday and Saturday each weekend. Regular post time is 3:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 2. 

July 19, 2025, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Three $11,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old male and female trotters enhanced the program at Cumberland Raceway on Friday (July 18) with some fresh faces making their pari-mutuel and Downeast debuts.

A lone $11,391 division of Maine-bred freshmen colts and geldings was featured in the opener, with three of the four participants making their inaugural purse starts.  Last week’s walkover introduced Wilder N Idy to the trotting ranks, where the son of To The Hilt cruised the historic Bass Park oval all alone for driver Mark Athearn and trainer Gretchen Athearn.

This week the colt had some company, although the first-time starters saw nothing but the back of Athearn’s helmet as he set comfortable early fractions of :32.2 and 1:05.3 before kicking into another gear.  Putting five lengths between himself and his nearest competitor, Trottinfortreasure (3-1, Kevin Switzer Jr.), at the 1:36.2 swifter third station, the Michael Andrew-bred colt was not finished yet.

Having reached the wire with a 10-1/4 length advantage, Athearn had Wilder N Idy on cruise control for the 2:07.4 finish.  Posting a new lifetime best, he paid $2.80 for owner Patrick Leavitt.

Gus’s Workout (5-1, Heath Campbell) finished third.

In the first $11,254 trotting filly division driver Heath Campbell put 1/5 favorite Pembroke Lady into motion and never looked back, scoring in 2:08.1 by 7-1/4 lengths.  The daughter of Pembroke Slugger is now two-for-two in Maine Sire Stakes events, having set her mark of 2:08 in her last start at Bangor.

Trained by Valerie Grondin for owner Brenda Varney, she paid $2.40 to win. Pembroke Lady was bred in Maine by the late Bill Varney.

Two daughters of first crop sire Cantab Fashion made their seasonal bows.  Jazaa (9-2, Nick Graffam) took an early lead against this group, settling into the two-hole and was trotting along nicely until throwing in some steps around the three-quarter pole, but held on to be third. 

Our Last Quote (9-1, Steve Wilson), another daughter of Cantab Fashion inherited the two-hole and finished second.

In the second $11,429 division of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old trotting fillies 1/9 favorite Heyden (Gary Hall) jumped at the start which allowed Coronation Moon (9-1, Ivan Davies) to take over the top spot and lead the field through the remaining panels.

Scoring by 8 lengths in 2:07.2, it was a successful first lifetime start for the daughter of Cantab Fashion, who paid $20.20 to win for trainer-driver Ivan Davies.  She is owned by Owen Davies who co-bred with Catherine Davies.

Hayden, also a daughter of Cantab Fashion, finished second; Race Me Boomer (32-1, William Childs) was third.

Sarah’s Lilly won the $5,500 featured overnight in 1:57.3 with McGwire Sowers aboard.  She paid $20.80.  Gowestyounggrace (4-1, Dave Ingraham) finished second; Maggie At Bat (7-1, Andy Harrington) was third.

Kevin Switzer Jr. led all drivers with four wins on the program.

Racing resumes on Saturday (July 19) with two $11,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing fillies.

For bettors, there is a Trifecta in all races, and the program also features a surplus of exotic wagers.  Cumberland’s Pick 5 begins with the third race, and continues with our Pick 4 and Pick 3 toward the tail end of the program, and concludes with our High-Five Pentafecta in the final race—all with low 16% takeouts.

Live video and replays can be found on our website: firsttrackscumberland.com on the Live Racing / Video Replays tab.

First Track’s Cumberland Spring/Summer meet will continue throughout the Summer months with regular racing on Friday and Saturday each weekend. Regular post time is 3:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 2.  There will be a special added program on Sunday, July 27, with a 12:00 noon post time.