August 27, 2025, by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

WINDSOR, ME – Undefeated sophomore pacing star Massive Speed unleashed another dominant tour de force when he took his $17,000-plus division of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings on Tuesday (Aug. 26) at the Windsor Fair. 

Leaving from pylon position, nothing stood in the way of the impressive son of Dude’s The Man, except time and opportunity.  Regular pilot Aaron Hall took the pacer through opening fractions of :29.1 and 58.4 with Keenan Star (Heath Campbell) right on his helmet.

Past the half stable mate Cheatin Fate (Andy Harrington) was the first to start the outer flow, and by the 1:28.4 third panel had reached the pacesetter’s saddle pad.  From that point Massive Speed was given his head and the horse responded with a dramatic afterburner, showing his heels to the field.

Having unleashed a torrid :28.2 final quarter en route to a seven length romp, they tripped the timer in 1:57.1 in the non-betting event, which was a new lifetime best for the divisional standout.

Trained by Marc Tardif and owned by Leighton Property, it was the gelding’s eighth consecutive victory and 18^th lifetime win.  His seasonal total shot up to $53,633, with his lifetime earnings quickly approaching $200,000.  He was bred in Maine by Laurie Harding.

Cheatin Fate finished second; Keenan Star was third.

The second $17,212 ‘Glamour Boys’ division was held on the wagering card as the opener, and witnessed the powerful Tardif Taskforce complete a sweep of the Pine Tree State-bred contests.

When the wings folded it was the 4/5 favorite Ridgecrest Dan and John Nason who took the early lead from post three.  From the :29 second opening panel through the :59.3 mid-way point Nason was in complete command.  However, Andy Harrington and Dawn Two Dark (5-1) pulled at the half and then made a sweeping move down the backstretch to overtake the pacesetter and assume the point into a 1:29.2 third stanza.

Around the turn and down the stretch Nason had tipped Ridgecrest Dan to re-engage with Dawn Two Dark and was putting their once comfortable lead in jeopardy.  Under the shadow of the wire Dawn Two Dark did prevail by a whisker in 1:59 over the fast closing Ridgecrest Dan.

Trained and owned by Marc Tardif, the son of Deuce Seelster paid $13.40 to win his third race of the season.  He was bred by Gary and Kristina Hall and now lays claim to $33,069 in seasonal earnings.

Gracies Tough Guy (Dave Ingraham) got up for third.

The Maine Sire Stakes continues at the Windsor Fair with all of the 2- and 3-year-old trotters on Friday (Aug. 29) to kick off the holiday weekend.  The 2-year-old filly pacers arrive on the Saturday (Aug. 30) Windsor program, followed by the 3-year-old filly pacers on Sunday (Aug. 31) and finally the 2-year-old colt pacers to close out the long weekend on Monday (Sept. 1).

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

August 26, 2025, by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

WINDSOR, ME – A pair of $17,000 divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings went postward on Monday (Aug. 25) at Windsor, with both sides of the win spectrum on display. 

In the $16,948 non-wagering opener for freshmen sidesteppers it was Marc Tardif’s Dude’s The Jet who broke his maiden in wire-to-wire fashion for hot driver Kevin Switzer Jr.

Scoring from post two, the son of Dude’s The Man made every call a winning one as he went down the road posting fractions of :29.1 and 1:00.1 to the half, with only stable mate Rebel’s Revenge (Andy Harrington) within striking distance.

As Dude’s The Jet led the field past the third panel in 1:30, several colts trying to get back into the race were three wide down the backside.  However, no one could catch the pacesetter as Switzer let out a notch and cruised home by a pair of lengths in 2:00.3.

Trained by Marc Tardif for owners Leighton Property and Victoria Leighton, it was the colt’s first victory in five previous outings.  He was bred in Maine by Fred Decker.

Rebel’s Revenge finished second; Nuh Uh (Aaron Hall) was fourth placed third.

In the second $17,124 Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old male pacers, it was no surprise that Switzer Jr. would put his father’s unbeaten gelding Real Horrorshow on the front end and play catch me if you can.

Reeling off fractions of :29.2 and 1:01 to the half, it was obvious to observers that the soft half would play well for the divisional star’s unblemished record.

With Daytoremember (Heath Campbell) glued to his helmet in the pocket, Switzer Jr. let out a notch and hit the third station in 1:30.4.  Campbell and his charge stayed right with the ‘favorite’ and the pair battled down the lane unleashing identical :28.3 final quarters.

When the dust settled Real Horrorshow had maintained his measured 1-1/2 length advantage over the challenging Daytoremember and took home the trophy in 1:59.2, which is just a tick off of his season’s best clocking.  Taking his sixth consecutive victory, the emerging talent has accrued $40,281 this year.

Trained by Kevin Switzer Sr. for KDK Standardbreds, Kathleen Mofield and Anthony Sivik Jr., the son of Dude’s The Man was bred in Maine by Luke and Patricia ‘Tuffy’ Varnum.

Itsjustmoney (Aaron Hall) finished third in the second non-wagering event.

The Maine Sire Stakes continues at the Windsor Fair with the 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers on Tuesday (Aug. 26), followed by all the 2- and 3-year-old trotters on Friday (Aug. 29) to kick off the holiday weekend.  The 2-year-old filly pacers arrive on the Saturday (Aug. 30) Windsor program, with 3-year-old filly pacers on Sunday (Aug. 31) and finally the 2-year-old colt pacers to close out the long weekend on Monday (Sept. 1).

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

August 25, 2025, by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

WINDSOR, ME – Under sunny skies with a full grandstand of fans, Windsor Fair hosted two $17,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing fillies on Sunday (Aug. 24), the opening weekend of Maine’s second largest agricultural fair. 

In the fastest $17,427 division the Graffam’s Chasing Dudes sat a pocket trip behind divisional leader Leanne Marie (Mike Cushing) to score the off-the-pace victory in 1:59.

Driven by Nick Graffam for his father and the filly’s trainer and co-owner Mike Graffam, the sophomore daughter of Dude’s The Man prevailed by a length over Leanne Marie and took a new lifetime mark in the process.

Sharing ownership with her breeder Bob Marston, the connections have enjoyed the consistency of Chasing Dudes who has three wins this season and was only worse than second in a single race in seven seasonal outings earning $32,270.

Whisper Of Luck (Andy Harrington) finished third in the early non-wagering event.

In the other division $17,201 division for 3-year-old pacing fillies Glorilla (Aaron Hall) made it three wins in a row in the Pine Tree State-bred program.  The daughter of Dude’s The Man did control the tempo and made every call a winning one.

Also trained by Aaron Hall for owner Ron Cushing, it was the fourth win of the season when she stopped the timer in 1:59.4, earning herself a new time badge for her efforts.  Prevailing by 1-1/4 lengths, Glorilla now has $32,495 in her seasonal kitty, and was bred by Kevin Sywyk.

Dude’s Pretty Chick (Heath Campbell) finished second; Ruff Dude’s Jena (Dave Ingraham) was third.

The Maine Sire Stakes continues at the Windsor Fair with the 2-year-old male pacers on Monday (Aug. 25) and then the 3-year-old glamour boys division on Tuesday (Aug. 26).

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

August 22, 2025, by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photo of LEANNE MARIE from Cumberland)

WINDSOR, ME – Known as Maine’s second largest agricultural fair, the Windsor Fair welcomes two $17,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing fillies on Sunday (Aug. 24) following a week’s respite for the series formerly known as the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes.

When the sophomore sidesteppers visit the fair, many will be looking to secure their position in the lucrative finals set for Oct. 11 at Bangor Raceway.  The current point leader in the division is the Cushing’s Leanne Marie who has amassed 225 points with four wins and three seconds and earnings of $35,232 on the season.

The daughter of Artistic Fella is the homebred property of Pamela Smith, Jane DiPompo and trainer Charlene ‘Sherry’ Cushing, with hubby Mike handling the driving duties.  She leads a field of six from post three in the $17,427 second split, which will be held before the regular card. 

Not to be outdone, the Graffam’s have a filly star of their own in Chasing Dudes.  Scoring from pylon position Nick Graffam drives the daughter of Dude’s The Man who has a pair of victories and three seconds in the series.  Trained and co-owned by Mike Graffam, he shares ownership with her breeder Bob Marston.

Rounding out the field is the return of Ron Cushing’s Lysiun (post four), who won her first three-in-a-row before being sidelined in early July.  Trained by Heidi Cushing, the daughter of Dude’s The Man should enjoy being back in the Pine Tree State after her Pocono Downs qualifier.  She was bred in Maine by Lynn-Marie Plouffe.

In the other division $17,201 division of 3-year-old pacing fillies Glorilla (2, Aaron Hall) is coming off of two wins in a row with his daughter of Dude’s The Man and should look to control tempo. 

The Marc Tardif stable sends out Thinkin Bout Life from post four, who is the second leading point earner in the division.  Driven by Kevin Switzer Jr., the daughter of Dude’s The Man is always right there at the wire.

The Maine Sire Stakes continues at the Windsor Fair with the 2-year-old male pacers on Monday (Aug. 25) and then the 3-year-old glamour boys division on Tuesday (Aug. 26).

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

August 17, 2025, by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Stephanie Gray photo of SNOWONTHEPINES from Topsham)

SKOWHEGAN, ME – A pair of $17,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing fillies closed out the week of harness racing at the Skowhegan State Fair on Saturday (Aug. 16) with a baker’s dozen vying for their own piece of the pie.

In the early $17,123 non-wagering event the Western Maverick filly Perfectly Lovely went out for an early lead and set comfortable early fractions of :31 and 1:03.3.  Driver Aaron Hall started to feel the pressure as the field approached the 1:33.4 third stanza as driver Kevin Switzer Jr. had the undefeated filly, Snowonthepines, breathing down his neck.

Around the final turn Hall kept his charge on her toes and had managed to keep the aggressor at bay until the shadow of the wire where Snowonthepines got up to win by a neck in 2:02.3.

Trained by Marc Tardif for owner/breeder Leighton Property, it was the fifth straight victory for the daughter of Dude’s The Man.

She’s A Firefly (Nick Graffam) finished third.

In the second $17,299 division for frosh filly pacers, the battle for the front may have dictated the outcome.

When the gate sprung both Ekorus (Nick Graffam) and Dudelookslikeafily (Switzer Jr.) bolted out for the lead, with the former allowing the latter to take the point before a hard-fought :30.4 opening panel.  As they passed that first quarter pole Ekorus came right back out in an attempt to ‘re-take’ the lead.  However, in the apex of the turn Switzer hit the gas and denied Graffam the front, forcing him to take back into the two-hole.

With Dudelookslikeafily hitting the half in 1:01.4 the rest of the field was gapping but Ekorus was tight on Switzer’s helmet by the 1:32 third station.

Around the final turn Ekorus was back out and moving, and despite a little ‘drift’ in the lane,  passed the pacesetter and secured the victory by a quarter length in 2:03, a new lifetime best.

Bred, trained and co-owned by Mike Graffam with William Arnold and Martha Holden, she paid $3.40 to win her second race of the year.

Graceofspaces (Dave Ingraham) was a fast closing second; Heymickeyyousofine (John Nason) was third.

The Maine Sire Stakes takes a week hiatus and then reconvenes at the Windsor Fair on Sunday (Aug. 24) with the 3-year-old filly pacers, followed by the 2-year-old male pacers on Monday (Aug. 25).

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

August 16, 2025, by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Hollianne Niles photos)

SKOWHEGAN, ME – Six $16,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2- and 3-year old trotters scampered through the Skowhegan State Fair on Friday (Aug. 15) with several of the diagonally gaited set taking new records in the process.

In the featured $17,199 3-year-old filly trot the 5-1 second choice Pandemic Princess (Heath Campbell) worked valiantly at attaining the point into a testy :30.3 opening panel.  The ‘tester’ was the 3/5 favorite Barbella (Bruce Ranger) who finally took up position in the pocket, with Race Me Bombshell (Drew Campbell) navigating along in third.

The headstrong pacesetting Pandemic Princess opened up an additional six lengths on the field as the trotters passed the half in a minute flat.  Heath Campbell finally reeled the daughter of Whataworkout into a brief respite through a softer 1:31.1 third panel. However, with the tables turned, now it was Barbella’s turn and she was out and rolling at her saddle pad as they approached the final turn.

Through the bend and into the home stretch Pandemic Princess went off stride which allowed Barbella to trot down to the wire in 2:01.3, a new lifetime best.

Trained by Ken Anderson for owner Robert Zakian, the daughter of Whataworkout picked up her fifth seasonal victory, and second in a row, paying $3.40 to win.  She was bred by the late Mike Andrew.

Pandemic Princess finished second; Race Me Bombshell was third.

The other $16,973 division for 3-year-old trotting fillies was captured in wire-to-wire fashion by Ivan Davies’ Little Shot in 2:04.1.  Owned and bred by Dr. Douglass Hutchins with Paul Kinnear, the daughter of Noble Venture grabbed her second win of the season.

Lady Lake Marty (Wally Watson) finished second; Twisted Fate (Mike Cushing) was third.

In the $17,476 Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings the Skowhegan faithful witnessed last year’s freshmen champion return to his winning ways after a late start to his sophomore campaign.

Ken Watson rolled Whatawonder out to an early lead and never looked back as the son of Whataworkout made every call a winning one, scoring easily in 2:04.4 by 5-1/2 lengths.

Undefeated in ten starts last season, the Lisa Watson-trained gelding picked up his first win in three seasonal starts.  Owned and bred by Barbara Lawson, he returned $3.80.

Stable mate Katahdin Victor (Wally Watson) finished second; Liberty’s Wildcard rallied for third.

Frosh fillies enjoyed two divisions on the day’s full card, with Hayden taking a new 2:05.4 record for trainer/driver Gary Hall in the $16,929 pari-mutuel split.  Owned and bred by Stephen Hall, the daughter of Cantab Fashion returned $3.40 for her second career victory.

Our Last Quote (Steve Wilson) finished a fast closing second; Nobella (Ken Watson) was third.

In the other division, Pembroke Lady won by a neck over Coronation Moon (Ivan Davies) in a lifetime best 2:05.1 for driver Heath Campbell and trainer Valerie Grondin.  The daughter of Pembroke Slugger has advanced her unblemished record to five straight victories for owner Brenda Varney.  She won the lion’s share of the $16,754 purse and was bred in Maine by the late William Varney.

Speaking of undefeated trotters, Wilder N Idy continued his reign of supremacy in the $16,891 freshmen trot, scoring by an open 6-1/2 lengths for driver Mark Athearn and trainer Gretchen Athearn.  Owned by Patrick Leavitt, the son of To The Hilt was bred by Mike Andrew and also enjoys a five-race win streak.

The Maine Sire Stakes winds down at Skowhegan with the 2-year-old filly pacers on Saturday (Aug. 16).  The series takes a week hiatus and then reconvenes at the Windsor Fair on Sunday (Aug. 24) with the 3-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

August 15, 2025, by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Hollianne Niles photo)

SKOWHEGAN, ME – Undefeated Maine Sire Stakes star Massive Speed grabbed another victory in his $17,000-plus division for 3-year-old pacing colts and gelding at the Skowhegan State Fair on Thursday (Aug. 14), while also granting himself a new time badge in the process. 

In the first $17,437 early, non-wagering split for sophomore pacers Maine’s winningest pacer took matters into his own hands and jetted to the lead in a snappy :29.2.  From that point the regional star’s regular driver Aaron Hall had Keenan Star (Heath Campbell) close behind with Gracies Tough Guy (Dave Ingraham) racing third through the :59.1 midway marker.

Andy Harrington tipped Cheatin Fate first over as the field reached the third station in 1:29 and attempted to test the pacesetter around the final turn.  That challenge turned out to be short lived as Massive Speed switched into high gear and scampered home in :28.3 to score in a new lifetime best 1:57.3.

The son of Dude’s The Man scored by 2-3/4 lengths for trainer Marc Tardif and owner Leighton Property.  Bred in Maine by Laurie Harding, it was Massive Speed’s seventh consecutive victory.

Cheatin Fate finished second; Keenan Star held on for third.

In the second $17,437, which was held on the regular program, trainer Marc Tardif completed a sweep of the glamour boys division.

Driver Andy Harrington placed Dawn Two Dark on the front end and never looked back.  The 3-year-old son of Deuce Seelster was very much in command through the entire mile, posting opening fractions of :30.1 and 1:01, with This Dudes Perfect (Heath Campbell) sitting in the two hole.

A three horse outer flow developed while the field headed into the 1:30.2 third panel with Ridgecrest Dan (John Nason) first over, followed by No Guts No Glory second up for driver Aaron Hall.

Despite the would-be spoilers, it was all Dawn Two Dark who put out the lights on the rest of his pursuers and prevailed by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:59.

Owned and trained by Marc Tardif, it was his second seasonal victory, returning $9.60.  Dawn Two Dark was bred in Maine by Gary and Kristina Hall.

Wagering favorite Ridgecrest Dan finished second; This Dudes Perfect was third.

The Maine Sire Stakes winds down at Skowhegan with the 2-year-old filly pacers on Saturday (Aug. 16).

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

August 13, 2025, by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Hollianne Niles photos)

SKOWHEGAN, ME – Another round of $17,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing fillies dashed around the swift Skowhegan oval on Tuesday (Aug. 12) under the moon-lit twilight.

In the first $17,427 early, non-wagering split for sophomore distaffs the speedy Chasing Dudes was sent out to an early pylon-protecting lead into a :29.3 opening panel by Andrew Harrington.  Without much fanfare Wishin For Kisses (Chris Long) sat a tight pocket trip with Thinkin About Life (Kevins Switzer Jr.) rolling along in third past an uneventful 1:01.1 half-way marker.

Heading into the 1:31.1 third station Aaron Hall tipped Glorilla from sixth and started their ascent to challenge the leaders from a six length deficit.  By the head of the stretch Glorilla had assumed third place and cut her trailing gap to a length and a half.

Sprinting home and prevailing by three parts of a length, the daughter of Dude’s The Man scored in 2:01.4, a new lifetime best.

Glorilla is also trained by Aaron Hall for owner Ron Cushing.  The winner of four races and $55,946 lifetime was bred by Kevin Sywyk.  Chasing Dudes finished second, Thinkin Bout Life was third.

In the second $17,201, which was held on the regular program, divisional leader Leanne Marie displayed the kind of speed and agility that has elevated her to a pinnacle among her peers.

Leaving from post five the daughter of Artistic Fella wasted little time assuming command, and from that point she led comfortably through early fractions of :30 and 59.4.

Through the early parts of the mile, Whisper Of Luck (Harrington) took refuge in the garden spot, while Dudes Pretty Chick (Heath Campbell) tracked along in third.

Leanne Marie and Mike Cushing continued to set the tempo as the 3/5 favorite blew through the third panel in 1:29.1 and cruised home easily in 1:58.1, winning by 1-1/2 lengths.

Trained by Charlene Cushing who also owns and bred with Pamela Smith and Jane DiPompo, it was the filly’s fourth win of the season.  A model of consistency, she has been second three times in seven seasonal outings earning $35,232 this year.  She returned $3.40 for the victory.

Dudes Pretty Chick rallied for second; Whisper Of Luck finished third.

The Maine Sire Stakes continues on the fair circuit in Skowhegan with the glamour boys (3 colt pace) division on Thursday (Aug. 14), followed by all the 2- and 3-year old trotters on Friday (Aug. 15).  The week concludes with the 2-year-old filly pacers on Saturday (Aug. 16).

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

August 12, 2025, by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Hollianne Niles photos)

SKOWHEGAN, ME – A pair of $17,000 divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing colts and gelding helped kick off a full week of harness racing action at the 207th year of the Skowhegan State Fair, with a particular divisional leader cushioning his point total at the historic venue.  Claiming the title of the Nation’s Oldest Consecutively running Agricultural Fair, Skowhegan has been operating annually since 1818.

Situated in the heart of Maine’s Kennebec Valley, the Skowhegan State Fair has run without interruption, through the great depression, two world wars, and many smaller, though significant battles.

Of course, harness racing has been a part of that storied past since the inception.  Therefore, it is only fitting that the Maine-bred colts that competed at the fair on Monday (Aug. 11) were presented to a host of fair-goers and racing fans alike.

In the first $16,948 split for freshmen male pacers Heath Campbell gave Daytoremember a day that he may never forget.

Scoring from post four the Valerie Grondin owned, trained and bred son of Dude’s The Man was sent right to the top where he put up early fractions of :30.1 and 1:03.1.  Mia’s Boy (Mark Athearn) was enjoying a tight pocket trip while Silence Ofdarkness (McGwire Sowers) was the first to start the outer flow while the field passed the third panel in 1:34.1.

At the head of the stretch Campbell let out a notch and let Daytoremember roll on to a four length victory in 2:02.4, which was the colt’s first lifetime win.  Heretofore Daytoremember has had the misfortune of drawing in with Real Horrorshow in his last four outings, finishing second in each instance.  However, this day would be different as Daytoremember is a maiden no more, thanks in large part to his swift :28.3 final quarter.

Mia’s Boy finished second; Itsjustmoney (Andy Harrington) rallied for third in the non-wagering event.

In the second $17,124 Maine Sire Stakes event, it was no surprise that Real Horrorshow would take the lead from his pylon-skimming starting position.

Driven by Kevin Switzer Jr. the divisional leader and unbeaten phenom has had things his own way in his previous four starts, and his Skowhegan jaunt appeared to be no different.

Following the pacesetter Wowzah Clousah (Mike Cushing) sat a comfortable pocket trip through opening splits of :30 and 1:00.1.  Heading into the 1:30.3 third stanza Nuh Uh (Aaron Hall) had inched up alongside Wowzah Clousah and matched strides around the final turn.

Down the stretch, the pocket sitting Wowzah Clousah jumped off stride while Real Horrorshow was showing his heels to the field.  Winning by 4-1/4 lengths in 1:59.1, it was a career best equaling effort for the son of Dude’s The Man.

Trained by Kevin Switzer Sr. for owners KDK Standardbreds, Kathleen Mofield and Anthony Sivik Jr., the divisional leader was bred by Luke and Patricia Varnun and nabbed his fifth straight victory.

Nuh Uh finished second; Ghost Of Winter (Andy Harrington) was third.

The Maine Sire Stakes continues on the fair circuit in Skowhegan with the sophomore filly pacers on Tuesday (Aug. 12).  The glamour boys (3 colt pace) division arrives on Thursday (Aug. 14), followed by all the 2- and 3-year old trotters on Friday (Aug. 15), and concludes the week at Skowhegan with the 2-year-old filly pacers on Saturday (Aug. 16).

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

August 10, 2025, by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Stephanie Gray photos)

TOPSHAM, ME – Maine’s freshmen filly pacers closed out the Topsham Fair on Saturday (Aug. 9) with two $11,000-plus divisions held before the regular card.

In the first $11,623 division of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing fillies, the unbeaten Snowonthepines continued her blizzard of authority in a seemingly effortless romp.

Driver Kevin Switzer Jr. took the filly off the gate and settled into third position as Nick Graffam sent She’s A Firefly out to an early lead with a :30.2 opening panel.  Heading into a leisurely 1:02.2 half, Dave Ingraham tipped Graceofspaces into the outer flow from fifth in an effort to improve his position.

Heading to the three-quarter pole Switzer pulled the right line and got to the flank of the pacesetter while they breezed through that marker in 1:33.1.  By the head of the stretch Snowonthepines had taken command and continued to gain separation on the rest of the field.

Tripping the timer in 2:03.2, the daughter of Dude’s The Man won her fourth consecutive stakes race by a comfortable 2-1/2 length margin.

Trained by Marc Tardif for owner/breeder Leighton Property, the aspiring star has earned $23,157 this season.

Perfectly Lovely (Aaron Hall) got up to be second; She’s A Firefly hung on for third.

In the second $11,799 division Nick Graffam went from nearly last to first to give his family’s homebred Ekorus her first lifetime victory.

When the wings folded Heymickeyyousofine (John Nason) must have thought it was the 1980’s and boogied right to the top.

‘Mickey’ set opening fractions of :30.3 and 1:02.2, with McKenna Jeanne (Heath Campbell) sitting in the pocket second.  It was not until the second circuit that the outer flow had developed with Dudelookslikeafily (Switzer Jr.) first over at the 1:33.4 and threatened with a short-lived lead. 

While ‘Mikey’ and ‘Fily’ were busy having a dance-off on the front end, Graffam had swung Ekorus off the turn and swooped the field like Icarus flying up to the sun.  When the dust settled it was the daughter of Cheyenne Hollywood who had prevailed in 2:04.2, scoring by 2-1/4 lengths.

Trained, bred and co-owned by Mike Graffam (with partners Bill Arnold and Martha Holden) it was the first career victory for Ekorus.

McKenna Jeanne finished second; Dudelookslikeafily was third.

Right on schedule, the Maine Sire Stakes express makes its next stop on the fair circuit in Skowhegan, with the freshman pacing colts on Monday (Aug. 11) and sophomore filly pacers on Tuesday (Aug. 12).  The glamour boys (3 colt pace) division arrives on Thursday (Aug. 14), followed by all the 2- and 3-year old trotters on Friday (Aug. 15), and dispatches the week with these same 2-year-old filly pacers at Skowhegan on Saturday (Aug. 16).

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