October 9, 2025, by Chris Tully for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photo)

BANGOR, ME – Hollywood Casino Hotel and Raceway at historic Bass Park will once again host the $400,000-plus Maine Sire Stakes Finals with four 3-year-old Pine Tree State-bred events on Saturday (Oct. 11) in Bangor, Maine. 

Once again, trainer Marc Tardif sends a star with an unblemished record into the $101,174 Maine Sire Stakes final for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings.

Massive Speed has maintained a perfect record in the state of Maine, and the son of Dude’s The Man has been pegged as the 3-2 early morning line favorite in race two.  Regular pilot Aaron Hall gets the driving duties on the winner of 11 races and $81,701 this season. 

Likely to be the heavy favorite by post time, Massive Speed scores from post three, where he is surrounded by three other Tardif trainees: Cheatin Fate (P2, 7-1, Kevin Switzer Jr.), Dawn Two Dark (P5, 9-2, Andy Harrington) and No Guts No Glory (P7, 12-1, Mike Stevenson).

Race five pits this year’s top male trotter, Liberty’s Wildcard, against last year’s freshmen champion Whatawonder.

Tardif sends Liberty’s Wildcard into the $100,876 Maine Sire Stakes final for 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters, with the winner of 11 of 12 races listed as the 4-5 early morning line favorite.  A seasonal earner of $81,625, he will be driven by Kevin Switzer Jr.  The son of Noble Venture will score from post two and sports a winning streak of five in a row.

Whatawonder has been chasing the aforementioned favorite all year, and has finished second in his last four outings for driver Ken Watson and trainer Lisa Watson.  The son of Whataworkout was a perfect 10-for-10 last year, and is listed as 3-1 from post seven.

Race seven continues with the diagonal set, bringing divisional leader Barbella to face six other rivals in the $101,122 Maine Sire Stakes final for 3-year-old trotting fillies.  The daughter of Whataworkout has won 10 of 14 this year with earnings exceeding $82,000.  She scores from post three with driver Kevin Switzer Jr. up for trainer Ken Anderson and is the 4-5 favorite.

Ivan Davies’ Little Shot (post 2) is the second choice at 4-1 and has been keeping up with the divisional standout throughout the season.

The $101,153 Maine Sire Stakes final for 3-year-old pacing fillies is the concluding event for Pine Tree State-bred Standardbreds, led by 9-5 favorite Leanne Marie.

Trained and co-owned by Charlene ‘Sherry’ Cushing and driven by Mike Cushing, the daughter of Artistic Fella has been nothing short of sensational in the waning months of the series.  With five wins in her last six starts the winner of $74,314 this year has post two and will likely utilize her snappy gate speed to control the tempo.

The Graffam’s Chasing Dudes (P5, 2-1) will surely give the favorite a run for her money as she has six wins of her own this year, to go with $62,531 earned.

The Maine Sire Stakes finals represent the culmination of years of hard work and dedication of behalf of dozens of industry stakeholders, including, but not limited to the owners, breeders, trainers, drivers and caretakers of these equine athletes.

Not only do these horses represent a significant individual and collective investment in harness racing and agriculture in the state of Maine, but the peripheral revenue generated by the truck and trailer sales and maintenance, fuel suppliers, feed companies, hay producers, tack shops, blacksmiths, farm owners, and racetracks that give them a place to compete, generously exceeds seven figures annually.

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

October 4, 2025, by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

FRYEBURG, ME – The Maine Sire Stakes wrapped up its divisional tour with the 3-year-old trotters on Friday (Oct. 3) at the famous Fryeburg Fair, with a $17,000-plus division for each gender. 

In the first $17,476 division, Whatawonder (Ken Watson) brushed away from the car early to take command into a :31.4 opening panel.  2/5 favorite Liberty’s Wildcard (Kevin Switzer Jr.) tracked along in the pocket through the 1:02.4 mid-way point.

Heading to the third panel in 1:32.1 Switzer tipped the son of Noble Venture and challenged the pacesetter for the top.  By the head of the stretch Liberty’s Wildcard was on top and drawing off, tripping the timer in 2:01.3 by a comfortable three length margin.

Trained by Marc Tardif for owner Leighton Property, it was his fifth straight victory and he returned $2.80.  He was bred by Jerry Stratton Jr.

Whatawonder finished second; Enchanted Prince (Andy Harrington) was third.

In the second $17,722 division the class standout Barbella came from off the pace to capture her seventh consecutive score in the Maine Sire Stakes, winning by three lengths in 2:03.

Driven by Kevin Switzer Jr. for trainer Ken Anderson and owner Bob Zakian, the daughter of Whataworkout was bred by the late Mike Andrew.  She paid $2.80.

Little Shot (Ivan Davies) finished second; Twisted Fate (Mike Cushing) was third.

The Maine Sire Stakes season concludes with the $340,000-plus Sophomore Finals on Saturday (Oct. 11) at Bangor Raceway.

For more information, including the final point standings for the upcoming finals, go to our facebook page @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to the website:  https://www.mainesirestakes.com

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

FRYEBURG, ME – The Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings went postward on Thursday (Oct. 2) at the famous Fryeburg Fair, with two divisions of the glamour boys wowing fans in a preview of next week’s sophomore finals.

In the first $16,987 division, which was held before the regular card, This Dude’s Perfect (Heath Campbell) held sway over the field at the start and led the pack through evenly rated splits of :29.3 and 1:00.1 to the half.

Dawn Two Dark (Andy Harrington) was not content with the pocket so he pulled while headed to the 1:29.1 third panel and was on top by half a length at the head of the stretch.  Stalking and watching the action from off the pace was Ridgecrest Dan and John Nason who swooped both former leaders to prevail under the shadow of the wire by three parts of a length in 1:58.4.

Also trained by John Nason, the son of Dude’s The Man is owned by Bill ‘Yarmouth Lumber’ Phipps and picked up his fourth win of the season.  He was bred in Maine by Jason Vafiades and improved his seasonal bankroll to $51,078.

Dawn Two Dark finished second; I’m Not Maverick got up for third.

In the second $17,212 division it was another come from behind effort by Gracies Tough Guy, who caught the pacesetter Cheatin Fate (Andy Harrington) by a nose at the wire in 1:59.

Driven by Dave Ingraham for trainer Fred Ward Jr. and owner Sharon Ward, the homebred son of Western Maverick is a full brother to former Maine filly pacing star Gowestyounggrace.

Returning $7.60, it was the first seasonal win for Gracies Tough Guy.

Race Me Celtic (Bill Childs) was third.

The Maine Sire Stakes continues at Fryeburg with more agricultural fair racing with both divisions of 3-year-old trotters on Friday (Oct. 3).  The $340,000-plus Sophomore Finals of the Maine Sire Stakes take place on Saturday (Oct. 11) at Bangor Raceway.

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

October 2, 2025, by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photo)

FRYEBURG, ME – When the famous Fryeburg Fair welcomed the Maine Sire Stakes on Wednesday (Oct. 1) it was the star sophomore pacing filly Leanne Marie that held sway over the full field of Pine Tree State-bred sidestepping distaffs.

In the lone $17,853 division fans watched the Cushing clan’s determined 3-year-old female divisional leader Leanne Marie (4/5, Mike Cushing) take no prisoners and come away with the well-rated victory.

When the wings folded Whisper Of Luck (5-1, Andy Harrington) blasted out to the lead from post six, while Leanne Marie ducked in the pocket from post five.  Following a thirty second opening panel, Cushing wasted little time coming right back out to take command and led the field through a 1:00.3 mid-way marker.

With Whisper Of Luck in a tight pocket, and Leanne Marie in command, the pack hit the third station in 1:30.3.  With no significant pressure, Cushing let out a notch to snag the score in 2:00, posting a :29.2 final quarter.

Trained by Charlene Cushing who also bred with co-owners with Pamela Smith and Jane DiPompo, the daughter of Artistic Fella grabbed her eighth win of the season and fourth in a row.

Leanne Marie paid $3.60 and now has $74,314 earned this season, while going over $122,000 in lifetime earnings.

Whisper Of Luck finished second; Glorilla (Aaron Hall) was third.

The Maine Sire Stakes continues at Fryeburg with more agricultural fair racing, with the 3-year-old colt pacers on Thursday (Oct. 2), followed by both divisions of 3-year-old trotters on Friday (Oct. 3).  The $340,000-plus Sophomore Finals of the Maine Sire Stakes take place on Saturday (Oct. 11) at Bangor Raceway.

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

September 28, 2025, by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Maine’s $340,000-plus Freshmen Finals were contested on Saturday (Sept. 27) and provided fans with the most lucrative slate of harness races to be held at the Cumberland Fair this year.

Under sunny skies the grandstand was packed with fans eager to witness the next generation of Standardbred stars that are born and bred in the Pine Tree State.  The action did not disappoint as the unbeaten freshmen phenom Real Horrorshow led every step of the way to capture his $85,947 Maine Sire Stakes 2-year-old colt and gelding pace final in 2:00.

Driven by Kevin Switzer Jr. for trainer Kevin Switzer Sr. and owners KDK Standardbreds, Kathleen Mofield and Anthony Sivik Jr., the son of Dude’s The Man never had an anxious moment as he prevailed by 4-1/2 open lengths.

Bred in Maine by Luke and Patricia Varnum, Real Horrorshow paid $2.40 to win as the heavy favorite, taking his ninth consecutive win of the season, and retaining his unblemished record and boosting his earnings to $100,377.

Mia’s Boy (Mark Athearn) finished second; Daytoremember (Heath Campbell) was third.

Another unbeaten star, Snowonthepines, entered the $85,947 pacing filly final with her eight-race win streak on the line, and did not disappoint.

Switzer Jr. sent the daughter of Dude’s The Man out to an early lead and never looked back as the rest of the tracked along obediently behind the divisional standout. However, down the stretch the pocket sitting Just Delightful (Ron Cushing) took her shot at the pacesetter, but Snowonthepines maintained a half-length advantage at the wire, tripping the timer in 2:02.

Trained by Marc Tardif for owner/breeder Leighton Property, the 1/9 favorite paid $2.20 to win the ninth straight start of her illustrious season, with $100,288 earned.

Ekorus (Nick Graffam) finished third.

Switching over to the diagonally gaited set, Pembroke Lady scored a front-end victory in her $85,908 split for frosh trotting fillies.

Driven by Heath Campbell for trainer Valerie Grondin, the daughter of Pembroke Slugger held the pocket briefly after the start as Hayden (Gary Hall) assumed the point. Down the backstretch the first time Campbell brushed to the lead to gain control the tempo with the 3/5 favorite.

Past the half Pembroke Lady made every call a winning one as the field stacked up in the outer flow in an attempt to reel in the leader and avoid early breakers.  Our Last Quote (Steve Wilson) challenged first over at the third station but failed to gain any significant ground on the pacesetter.

Down the stretch the pocket sitting Hayden tipped out and had one last surge and finished within a half-length of the divisional leader Pembroke Lady in 2:06, returning $3.20.

Owned by Brenda Varney and bred by the late Bill Varney, it was the filly’s eighth win of the season, increasing her bankroll to $100,107.

Our Last Quote hung on for third.

In the $85,591 division for freshmen trotting colts and geldings, it was the heavy favorite Wilder N Idy who misbehaved behind the starting gate but managed to pull himself together and keep his mind on business through the remaining stations and rolled to a 5-3/4 length romp in 2:04.2.

Driven by Mark Athearn for trainer Gretchen Athearn, the son of To The Hilt paid $2.20.  Wilder N Idy is owned by Patrick Leavitt and increased his seasonal kitty to $119,584.  Bred by the late Mike Andrew, he completed his Maine Sire Stakes season with eight wins in nine starts.

Driver Kevin Switzer Jr. led all drivers on the program, scoring four times, including two sire stakes finals.

The final racing date of the Cumberland Fair meet is Sunday (Sept. 28).

After the fair, the track’s 18-day Winter Festival begins November 2 and then follows a two-day Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the month of November.  The month of December picks up Fridays for 3-day weekends of racing through December 21.  Our annual Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 20.

For additional information, visit our website at firsttrackscumberland.com, or find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

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

CUMBERLAND, ME – Maine’s sophomore trotters rolled through their penultimate leg of Pine Tree State-bred action on Friday (Sept 26) at the Cumberland Fair, while the track gears up for Saturday’s (Sept. 27) $340,000-plus Freshmen Finals.

In the first $17,476 division for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings heavy favorite Liberty’s Wildcard was placed in the pocket by leading reinsmen Kevin Switzer Jr., allowing freshman champ Whatawonder roll on to take command by Ken Watson.

As the son of Whataworkout took the field through opening panels of :31.1 and 1:03.2 the favorite held a loose pocket until the 1:32.2 third station where Switzer let his trotter loose and brushed past the pacesetter to score by 2-1/4 lengths in 2:04.3.

Trained by Marc Tardif for owner Leighton Property, the son of Noble Venture has won his last four starts and 10 of 11 this year.  He was bred by Jerry Stratton Jr. and paid $2.40 as the 1/5 favorite.

Enchanted Prince (Andy Harrington) finished third.

In the second $17,722 division of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old trotting fillies it was the divisional star Barbella that cruised to any easy victory in 2:05.  Making every call a winning one, the daughter of Whataworkout had nary an anxious moment as catch driver Kevin Switzer Jr. posted a three length score. 

Trained by Ken Anderson for owner Bob Kakian, it was the sixth win in a row for the accomplished distaff.  She was bred by the late Mike Andrew and paid $2.80 to win.

Little Shot (Ivan Davies) finished second; Twisted Fate (Mike Cushing) was third.

Four $85,000-plus Finals of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old trotters and pacers will go postward on the Saturday (Sept. 27) afternoon card at 12 noon at the Cumberland Fairgrounds.

In the first $85,591 division for freshmen trotting colts and geldings, the 9-5 favorite Wilder N Idy has seven wins on the season for trainer Gretchen Athearn.

In the $85,908 split for frosh trotting fillies, the 9-5 favorite Pembroke Lady brings her seven victories to the table for trainer Valerie Grondin.

For the $85,947 pacing filly final, trainer Marc Tardif sends the undefeated Snowonthepines into the full eight-horse field as the 8-5 favorite.

Finally, the Real Horrorshow leads the full field in the $85,947 male pacers division, putting his unblemished eight-race win streak on the line for trainer Kevin Switzer Sr.

Another full card is scheduled for the final racing date of Sunday (Sept. 28). 

Exotic wagers start with Cumberland’s Pick 5 in 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.

First Tracks will also host the popular Cumberland Derby where fans can enter to win $500 in total cash prizes based on their picks and the official order of finish in the designated race.

After the fair, the track’s 18-day Winter Festival begins November 2 and then follows a two-day Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the month of November.  The month of December picks up Fridays for 3-day weekends of racing through December 21.  Our annual Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 20.

For additional information, visit our website at firsttrackscumberland.com, or find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

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

CUMBERLAND, ME – Maine’s star sophomore pacer Massive Speed captured his eleventh consecutive victory in his $17,212 division of the Maine Sire Stakes on Thursday (Sept 25) at the Cumberland Fair, maintaining his unblemished seasonal record in the penultimate leg.

Driver Aaron Hall put the son of Dude’s The Man right on the engine and splashed through all the stations with no threats near or far.  The judges provided for a three second allowance due to the off-going, yet the local phenom stopped the clock in 2:01.2, establishing the swiftest race of the day.

Trained by Marc Tardif for owner Leighton Property it was his 21^st lifetime victory and brought his career earnings to $213,981.  Winning by a measured length and three-quarters, he paid $2.20 as the heavy favorite.  Massive Speed was bred in Maine by Laurie Harding.

Dawn Two Dark (Andy Harrington) finished second; Keenan Star (Heath Campbell) was third.

In the other $17,212 division it was all This Dudes Perfect and driver Heath who cruised to a comfortable 1-1/4 length wire-to-wire score in 2:03.2.

Trained by Valerie Grondin and owners Lynn-Marie Plouffe (breeder) and Brenda Varney the son of Dude’s The Man picked up his second win in his last three starts.  Returning $7.20, he heads to Fryeburg with $28,299 in his seasonal kitty.

Ridgecrest Dan (John Nason) finished second; Cheatin Fate (Andy Harrington) was third.

Driver Heath Campbell led all drivers on the nine race card, visiting the Blue Seal winners circle on five occasions, including a natural grand slam in races two through five.

Racing resumes at 12 noon at the Cumberland Fairgrounds on Friday (Sept. 26) with full cards scheduled for the remaining racing dates through Sunday (Sept. 28). 

Exotic wagers start with Cumberland’s Pick 5 in 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.

Always a highlight of the ‘Always in September’ Fair, the Maine Sire Stakes continue at Cumberland with the 3-year-old trotters on Friday (Sept. 26). 

Once again, Cumberland will host the $300,000 Est. Maine Sire Stakes 2-year-old finals on Saturday, September 27, with two freshmen pacers, Real Horrorshow and Snowonthepines, putting their unblemished records on the line in their respective showdowns.

First Tracks will also host the popular Cumberland Derby where fans can enter to win $500 in total cash prizes based on their picks and the official order of finish in the designated race.

After the fair, the track’s 18-day Winter Festival begins November 2 and then follows a two-day Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the month of November.  The month of December picks up Fridays for 3-day weekends of racing through December 21.  Our annual Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 20.

For additional information, visit our website at firsttrackscumberland.com, or find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

September 25, 2025, by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – The two top sophomore pacing fillies displayed their divisional dominance by each taking a $17,201 split of the Maine Sire Stakes on Wednesday (Sept 24) at the Cumberland Fair.

In the opener, driver Nick Graffam was content to allow Chasing Dudes to ease into the four hole while Whisper Of Luck (Andy Harrington) blasted out for the lead and did all the heavy lifting on the front end. 

The pacesetter put up fractions of :29.4 and 1:00.1 to the half while opening five lengths on the rest of the field.  Down the backside, and with plenty of ground to recover, the 1/5 favorite Chasing Dudes moved off the pegs first over to challenge for the lead.

Past the 1:29.1 third station, and gaining ground with every stride, the daughter of Dude’s The Man had her work cut out for her but managed to catch Whisper Of Luck by mid-stretch.  The pair battled down to the wire with Chasing Dudes prevailing by three parts of a length in 1:59.1.

Trained by Mike Graffam who co-owns with breeder Bob Marston, it was the tenth career victory and fourth straight for the earner of $172,221 lifetime.  She paid $2.40 and heads to the sophomore finals at Bangor on Oct. 11 as the season’s second leading point winner in the division.

Lysiun (Ron Cushing) finished third.

Leanne Marie, who sits atop that same leaderboard, also displayed her group governance as driver Mike Cushing sent her on a pillar-to-post tour of the Cumberland facility, tripping the timer in a pedestrian 2:01.1.

Trained by Charlene ‘Sherry’ Cushing who co-owns and shares breeder credit with partners Pamela Smith and Jane DiPompo, the daughter of Artistic Fella now has nine lifetime wins and grabbed her third in a row, returning $2.60.

Based upon how the filly draws, she will likely be the favorite for the upcoming final on Oct. 11.

Glorilla (Aaron Hall) finished second; Ruff Dude’s Jena (Dave Ingraham) finished third.

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

‘Double-Digit’ Dave Ingraham lived up to his Gabe Prewitt-bestowed moniker by scoring with local star Airspinder in the $5,200 conditioned pace and paying a whopping $105.60.  Owned and trained by David Sawyer, the 9-year-old son of No Spin Zone went from next to last to first to earn his 36^th lifetime victory.

Racing resumes at 1 pm at the Cumberland Fairgrounds on Thursday (Sept. 25) with full cards scheduled for the remaining racing dates through Sunday (Sept. 28). 

Post time drops backs to 12:00 noon for the remaining weekend dates of Friday through Sunday (Sept. 26-28).

Exotic wagers start with Cumberland’s Pick 5 in 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.

Always a highlight of the ‘Always in September’ Fair, the Maine Sire Stakes continue at Cumberland with the 3-year-old male pacers on Thursday (Sept. 25), with the 3-year-old trotters completing the sophomore divisions on Friday (Sept. 26). 

Once again, Cumberland will host the $300,000 Est. Maine Sire Stakes 2-year-old finals on Saturday, September 27, with two freshmen pacers, Real Horrorshow and Snowonthepines, putting their unblemished records on the line in their respective showdowns.

First Tracks will also host the popular Cumberland Derby where fans can enter to win $500 in total cash prizes based on their picks and the official order of finish in the designated race.

After the fair, the track’s 18-day Winter Festival begins November 2 and then follows a two-day Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the month of November.  The month of December picks up Fridays for 3-day weekends of racing through December 21.  Our annual Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 20.

For additional information, visit our website at firsttrackscumberland.com, or find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

September 19, 2025, by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

FARMINGTON, ME – The two divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing fillies closed out the Farmington Fair on ‘Jug Day’ Thursday (Sept. 18), with the undefeated filly phenom Snowonthepines wrapping up her successful tour of the Pine Tree State summer circuit.

Driver Kevin Switzer Jr. was back in the sulky for the swift daughter of Dude’s The Man as the pair took a front end tour of the agricultural oval in grand style.  Posting opening panels of :29.2 and :58.4 to the half with Just Delightful (Ron Cushing) parked and pressing the issue.

As the field rolled down the backstretch for the final time into a 1:29.4 third panel, the aggressor Just Delightful had lost some of her steam leaving Snowonthepines all alone on the front end.

Around the final turn and down the stretch the divisional darling showed why she will be the horse to beat in next week’s Freshmen Finals as she drew off by 2-1/2 lengths for a 1:59.2 clocking, pushing her seasonal earnings to $57,315.

Trained by Marc Tardif for owner/breeder Leighton Property, the $16,948 race was held as the opener on the wagering card.  Snowonthepines paid $2.80 for the eighth victory of her career.  From the Bettor’s Delight mare Snow Cone A, she is a half-sister to another top performer Two Fold Cold p,4,1:50f—‘25 ($271,826).

Perfectly Lovely (Aaron Hall) finished second; Just Delightful hung on for third.

In the second $17,124 division for frosh fillies it was Ekorus who put the field away with a strong performance.

Leaving from post four the daughter of Cheyenne Hollywood was sent out to the lead by Andy Harrington and never looked back.  Winning easily by three lengths in 2:03.3 the full sister to star distaff Wolverina p,4,1:52 ($367,328) secured her third win of the season.

Trained and bred by Mike Graffam who co-owns with William Arnold and Martha Holden, she returned $4.00.

Dudelookslikeafily (Aaron Hall) finished second; McKenna Jenna (Kevin Switzer Jr.) was third.

The Maine Sire Stakes transitions over to the Cumberland Fair next week, with the 3-year-old filly pacers on Wednesday (Sept. 24) and then the 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers on Thursday (Sept. 25).  The sophomore trotters race on Friday (Sept. 26) followed by the rich Freshmen Finals on Saturday (Sept. 27).

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

September 18, 2025, by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

FARMINGTON, ME – Five $17,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2- and 3-year old trotters were contested on Wednesday (Sept. 17), with many of the usual suspects reminding fans that they are at, or near, the top of their class.

In the $17,476 Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings, which was the only division that was held on the wagering card, it was Liberty’s Wildcard that showed why he is the one to watch in next month’s rich Maine Sires Stakes final.

Sitting patiently in the pocket until the half, driver Kevin Switzer Jr. let the son of Noble Venture roll first over and cruise home the rest of the way in 2:04.1.

Trained by Marc Tardif for owner Leighton Property, it was Liberty’s Wildcard ninth win in ten seasonal starts and brought him to $109,231 in lifetime earnings.  He paid $3.20 to win and was bred by Jerry Stratton Jr.

Whatawonder (Ken Watson) finished second; Just Foolin (Heath Campbell) was third.

In the $16,973 sophomore filly trot Barbella maintained her relative dominance taking her fifth straight score for driver Bruce Ranger and trainer Ken Anderson.  The daughter of Whataworkout won by 1-3/4 lengths in 2:05.1. 

Owned by Robert Zakian, she was bred by the late Mike Andrew.  Little Shot (Ivan Davies) finished second; Race Me Bombshell (William Childs) was third in the non-wagering event.

Four additional divisions of Pine Tree State-bred trotters were held before the regular card at Farmington, with the winners as follows:

$16,754 Two-year-old filly Trot, Pembroke Lady, 2:04.4, Heath Campbell, Valerie Grondin;

$16,754 Two-year-old filly Trot, Our Last Quote, 2:10.1, Steve Wilson, Charlene Cushing;

$16,891 Two-year-old colt and gelding Trot, Wilder N Idy, Mark Athearn, Gretchen Athearn;

$16,974 Three-year-old filly Trot, Twisted Fate, Mike Cushing trained and drove.

The Maine Sire Stakes concludes with the 2-year-old filly pacers on ‘Jug Day’ Thursday (Sept. 18), and then transitions over to the Cumberland Fair next week.

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