August 21, 2026, by Chris Tully, for Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

SKOWHEGAN, ME – Maine’s growing family of 2- and 3-year-old trotters found their way to the Skowhegan State Fair on Thursday (August 20), with all the usual suspects up to their same tricks.

Three of the four $17,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes were held before the regular card at Skowhegan, starting with the 2-year-old trotting fillies at 6 pm.

In that first, early Maine Sire Stake it was another easy victory for Princess Caledonia (Gary Hall) who led every step of the way to win handily in 2:07.1 by 1-1/2 lengths, padding her account to $36,966.

Co-owned, trained and driven by Gary Hall, the daughter of To The Hilt picked up her fourth seasonal win.  Also owned by James Kelly Jr., Betsey Kelley and Kristina Hall, she was bred by Anita Anastosopoulos. 

Cape Cod Friday (Dave Ingraham) stayed close to the action and finished second; stable mate Mikella Belle was third.

In the second $17,008 Maine Sire Stake for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings, once again it was driver Heath Campbell who sent Gus’s Workout to the front with Trottingfortreasure (Kevin Switzer Jr.) ducking in the two hole.  Wilder N Idy (Mark Athearn) got away third as they hit the opening panel in a :31.1 in the fading twilight sun. 

Gus’s Workout seemed pretty comfortable on the engine as Campbell rolled his charge to a 1:01.4 half.  As has been his practice, when the pacesetters passed the third station in 1:32 Athearn had tipped Wilder N Idy to the outside to advance his position.

When the field hit the head of the stretch Wilder N Idy had improved to second with Gus’s Workout going offstride.  Down the lane Wilder N Idy had the momentum and clear sailing to the wire, scoring in 2:01.3 and holding off the late charge of Trottinfortreasure by a quarter length. 

Trained by Gretchen Athearn for owner Patricia Leavitt, the son of To The Hilt picked up his fifth win of the season.  Bred by the late Mike Andrew, he now has 13 wins lifetime with $152,622 earned.

Gus’s Workout finished third.

In the third, early $17,135 Maine Sire Stake dash for 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings, it was another typical wire-to-wire tour of the facility for the Watson’s U Know I Know.

Ken Watson steered the son of Whataworkout to his fifth consecutive win in a lifetime best-equaling 2:05.1, prevailing by 5-1/2 lengths over Pembroke Zagursky (Heath Campbell).

Trained by Lisa Watson for owner-breeder Barbara Lawson, the unbeaten divisional star now has $38,811 on his card in five lifetime starts.

Stable mate Race Me Bruno (Wally Watson) finished third.

In the final $17,261 division, raced as the opener on the pari-mutuel card, once again it was filly sensation Hayden who been virtually unstoppable since mid-July.

Trainer-driver Gary Hall controlled the tempo early with a :31.1 opening panel, sending the daughter of Cantab Fashion to a steady 1:02.1 half.  Our Last Quote (Mike Cushing) was poised in the garden seat, while Race Me Boomer (Andy Harrington) tipped first over into a 1:33.4 third panel.

With the outer flow fading and Hall giving his star filly her head, the duo trotted home in :29.2 to a half-length victory over the pocket-sitting Out Last Quote in 2:03.1. 

Owned and bred by Stephen Hall, it was the sixth seasonal victory for Hayden and her eighth lifetime, as she increased her bankroll to $94,101.  She returned $3.00 on a two-dollar win ticket.

Race Me Boomer finished third.

Looking ahead, the harness racing action continues at Skowhegan over the weekend as the “State Fair” moves to matinee cards.  The freshmen sidesteppers close out the week-long meet with the 2-year-old pacing fillies on Friday (Aug. 21) and their male counterparts on Saturday (Aug. 22).

For more information about the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes, follow them on Facebook @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website:  MaineSireStakes.com

August 20, 2026 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

SKOWHEGAN, ME – Marc Tardif’s unbeaten 3-year-old pacing filly Snowonthepines continued her reign of supremacy as she put her unblemished record on the line at the Skowhegan State Fair on Wednesday (August 19) during a pair of $17,000-plus divisions for the fairer set.

With the first division carded as an early, non-wagering race, racing fans enjoyed a beautiful twilight evening of racing, with Snowonthepines as the opening act while displaying her familiar pillar-to-post style.

Driver Kevin Switzer Jr. put the daughter of Dude’s The Man right on point in the $17,209 split, exercising his right of first refusal with a sharp :29 second opening panel.  

As has been the norm in previous outings, Just Delightful (Ron Cushing) occupied a tight pocket seat as the field was carried to a :58.4 midway marker, with no outer flow developing.  Past the third station in 1:28.4 it did not appear that anyone would challenge the undisputed divisional leader, as she floated around the turn and appeared poised for her sixteenth career victory, her disciples followed along in single file fashion.

Tripping the timer in 1:57.1, the mile was just two fifths off the track record for sophomore distaffs, and gave the filly phenom her seventh consecutive seasonal victory.

Snowonthepines was victorious in all nine of her races as a rookie, and now has $153,721 in lifetime earnings for trainer Marc Tardif and owner-breeder Leighton Property.

Just Delightful finished second by 1-1/2 lengths; She’s A Firefly (Aaron Hall) was third.

In the other $17,434 division, which was held on the regular program for 3-year-old pacing fillies, Heymickeyyousofine showed that she is no ‘one hit wonder’ as the daughter of Dude’s The Man picked up her second straight victory.

Campbell left swiftly from post four with Heymickeyyousofine, but not swiftly enough to beat Dudelookslikeafily to the lead as driver Aaron Hall had that filly off the “Wes Brown gate of renown” and on top in short order.  The quick footed early leaver stung Heymickeyyousofine to a :29.1 opening panel, but she was able to clear by the time the field reached the half in 1:00.2.

Past the paddock turn the final time Kevin Switzer Jr. tipped Perfectly Lovely to the outside, and was the only horse on the rim as the field rolled through the third stanza in 1:31.2.

Around the final turn and at the head of the stretch Ekorus (Nick Graffam) had gotten to within three parts of a length of the pacesetter and was poised to pounce.  Seeing the threat, and with plenty left in the tank, Heath Campbell chirped to his charge and she responded by putting 2-1/2 lengths between her and her would-be challengers.

Cruising home in 2:00.1 with a :28.4 final quarter kicker, it was the second straight victory, and third of the season for Heymickeyyousofine.  Trained by Steve Vafiades, and owned by Jason Vafiades, she was bred in Maine by Kimberly Vafiades.  She now has $47,258 in lifetime earnings and returned $5.00 to her backers.

Ekorus finished second; Graceofspades (Dave Ingraham) was third.

Looking ahead, the harness racing action continues at Skowhegan on Thursday (Aug. 20) with four divisions for all of the 2- and 3-year-old trotters for the final evening card.   For the weekend, the “State Fair” moves to matinees for the freshmen sidesteppers who close out the week-long meet with the 2-year-old pacing fillies on Friday (Aug. 21) and their male counterparts on Saturday (Aug. 22).

For more information about the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes, follow them on Facebook @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website:  MaineSireStakes.com

August 19, 2026 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

SKOWHEGAN, ME – Maine’s glamour boys division rolled headstrong into the Skowhegan State Fair on Tuesday (Aug. 18) with the set’s swift 3-year-old male pacers enjoying a purse increase to kick off the evening program.

In the first $17,209 Maine Sire Stake race, which was held before the regular card, driver Kevin Switzer Jr. sent Real Horrorshow right out to the front, where the son of Dude’s The Man likes to be.

Setting early fractions of :29.3 and 1:00.3 in the early going, while Rebel’s Revenge (Aaron Hall) sat at tight pocket.  Sitting third past the half, Joey Mosher urged Dude’s The Jet first over as they passed the third panel in 1:29.4.

With the outer flow stalling Andrew Harrington pushed Itsjustmoney into third position at the head of the stretch as Rebel’s Revenge tried to reel in Real Horrorshow.  With an assertive :28.2 final quarter, the pacesetter went on to win his second in a row by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:58.1. 

Capturing his fifth win of the season, and 14^th of his career, Real Horrorshow, increased his lifetime earnings to $146,220. Trained by the senior Kevin Switzer, who also co-owns with Kathleen Mofield and Anthony Sivik Jr., he was bred in Maine by Luke and Patricia Varnum.

Rebel’s Revenge finished second; Itsjustmoney was third.

In the second $17,209 division for sophomore male pacers, another non-wagering event, the terms were dictated by Daytoremember, who also decisively won his last start at Topsham.

Driver Heath Campbell sent Daytoremember out for an early lead from post four, setting primary fractions of :30.2 and 1:00.4 over the first circuit.  Deuces Red (Mike Stevenson) stuck to the pacesetter like glue as the pair hit the third station in 1:29.3, while Nuh Uh (Andy Harrington) were first over and gaining ground down the backstretch for the final time.

Once again the outer flow had failed to advance around the final turn as Campbell had Daytoremember in overdrive, they sped home in a :28 second final quarter, stopping the timer in 1:57.3.

The son of Dude’s The Man is owned, trained and was bred by Valerie Grondin, and picked up his fifth consecutive win, and sixth of the season while breaking into the six figures with $101,878 earned.  Daytoremember continues to lead Real Horrorshow by 25 points in the divisional standings.

Deuces Red finished second; Silence Ofdarkness got up for third.

Looking ahead, the harness racing action continues at Skowhegan on Wednesday (August 19) with the sophomore distaff pacers, followed by all the 2- and 3-year-old trotters on Thursday (Aug. 20).  The freshmen sidesteppers close out the week-long meet with the 2-year-old pacing fillies on Friday (Aug. 21) and their male counterparts on Saturday (Aug. 22).

For more information about the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes, follow them on Facebook @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website:  MaineSireStakes.com

August 16, 2026, by Chris Tully, for Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

TOPSHAM, ME – It took three $15,00-plus dashes of Maine’s 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers to complete that division’s visit to Topsham Fair, closing out the week-long meet on Saturday (August 15), with track records falling by the wayside.

In the first $15,153 split of the Maine Sire Stakes, an early non-wagering race, it was all Top Notch Treasure who has continued to build on his unblemished record.  Scoring from pylon position, driver Mike Stevenson defended his ground and sent the son to State Treasurer out on a wire-to-wire circuit of winning calls.

Setting early fractions of :30.1 and 1:01.2 the first signs of a challenge came from Agent James Bond (Kevin Switzer Jr.) as the field hit the third station in 1:31.1.  At the head of the stretch the aggressor was within three parts of a length from the pacesetter, who dug in gamely and rolled down the Topsham lane to win by a measured length in 2:01.

Trained by Christopher Dubois for owner Steven Moskowitz Racing, he was bred in Maine by Lynn-Marie Plouffe and now has four straight victories this season.

South St Justin (Nick Graffam) finished third.

The second $15,324 division was yet another pillar-to-post romp by The Gucci Man and Kevin Switzer Jr., which ended with the colt breaking the track record at the Topsham oval.

Setting swift early fractions of :28.1 and 1:00, the son of Dude’s The Man was stung to the opening panel by Painter’s Treasure (Andy Harrington), but settled into his preferred tempo-setting position.  Following that early tussle that resulted in a 16-length gap to the rest of the pack, The Gucci Man set a comfortable 1:31.3 third panel with Painter’s Treasure still in a tight pocket. 

Through the final turn Switzer Jr. let out a notch on his unbeaten freshman and cruised home in 2:00.3, the fastest division of the afternoon.  The winning time was a new track record for 2-year-old pacing colts and shaved nearly a second off the 2:01.2 record set in 2002 by That’s It That’s All and driver Jason Bartlett.

Owned, trained and bred by Marc Tardif, he was barred from the wagering while posting a :29 final quarter in his fourth straight score.  Painter’s Treasure finished second but paid $3.60 as ‘the mutual winner’ with Justcallmebuddy (Aaron Hall) finishing third.

In the third and final $15,153 division it was a new winner who claimed his first pari-mutuel victory over the historic Topsham Fair surface.

When the gate sprung it was Steev Oz Ten (Nick Graffam) who briefly held pylon position, then came Two Bolts and Mike Cushing who took the early lead from post four.  Duderrific (Dave Ingraham) had continued their push for the lead while parked through the :31.4 opening panel, and ultimately landed on the point.

The field was stretched out during that opening quarter but managed to tighten up a bit through the 1:02.1 midway marker.  A precocious pocket-sitting Two Bolts allowed Duderrific to put three lengths on the field as he passed the third station in 1:31.4, with One Last Deal (Kevin Switzer Jr.) marching first over around the final turn.

As the pacers roared down the stretch it was all Duderrific who picked up his first lifetime win in 2:00.4, just a tick off the newly established track record.

Trained by James Heap for owner-breeder M And L of Delaware, the son of Dude’s The Man returned $8.80.

One Last Deal finished second; Two Bolts was third.

Looking ahead, the harness racing action moves north to Skowhegan and kicks off on Tuesday (August 18) with the 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers, followed on Wednesday (Aug. 19) by the sophomore distaff pacers.

For more information about the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes, follow them on Facebook @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website:  MaineSireStakes.com

August 14, 2026, by Chris Tully, for Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

TOPSHAM, ME – Maine’s 2-year-old filly pacers made their annual visit to the Topsham Fair on Thursday (August 13) with freshmen pacing sensation No Small Wonder taking her fourth stakes win in a row.

A pair of $14,983 Maine Sire Stakes events went postward on the pleasant summer afternoon, with one dash before the card, and the second carded as the opener on the ten race program.

When the wings of the starting gate folded driver Kevin Switzer Jr. pointed the division leader, No Small Wonder, right out to the front from her pylon position with little fanfare.  They reached the opening panel in :30.3 with Siri (Heath Campbell) sitting a loose pocket with Bettor’s Treasure (McGwire Sowers) in third.

They passed the stands the first time with No Small Wonder leading the way and setting a 1:01.2 half-mile mark.  Around the five-eighths Feel The Fury (Andy Harrington) had caught the pack despite an earlier miscue and was gaining ground first over.  Switzer Jr. fired up his charge past the 1:31.4 third station and began to gain some separation from the rest of the field.

With no threats in sight No Small Wonder was given free reign to pace down to the wire on cruise control, tripping the timer in 2:00.4 to win by 3-3/4 lengths.

Trained by Kevin Switzer Sr. for owners KDK Standardbreds, Kathleen Mofield and Anthony Sivik Jr., it was the fourth consecutive victory for No Small Wonder.  Bred in Maine by Luke and Patricia Varnum, the daughter of State Treasurer is undefeated thus far in her inaugural season and has earned $31,022.

Siri finished second; Bettor’s Treasure was third.

In the second $14,983 division, which was on the pari-mutuel card, the public’s second choice, Showfaith Showdown (2-1, Nick Graffam) got out for an early lead from post three.  They reached the opening panel in :32 with Lillian G (9-2, Dakota Niles) in the pocket and Wine For The Lady (8-5, Aaron Hall) sitting third.

Just past the 1:04.3 midway point Kevin Switzer Jr. driving Bad Bunny T was able to flush the cover of Wine For The Lady as the field passed the paddock turn for the second time.  At the 1:35 third stanza Wine For The Lady had collared the pacesetting Showfaith Showdown and the two battled around the final turn and through the head of the Topsham Fair stretch.  Down to the wire it was a champagne toast for Wine For The Lady as she prevailed by 2-1/2 lengths in 2:04, a new lifetime best.

Trained by Marc Tardif for owner-breeder Leighton Property, the daughter of State Treasurer now has two wins in four seasonal outings.  She returned $5.20 for the victory.

Lillian G hung on for third.

Looking ahead, the fair racing concludes at Topsham with the 2-year-old male pacers on Saturday (August 15).  The following week the harness racing action moves north to Skowhegan and kicks off on Tuesday (Aug. 18) with the 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers, followed on Wednesday (Aug. 19) by the sophomore distaff pacers.

For more information about the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes, follow them on Facebook @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website:  MaineSireStakes.com

August 13, 2026, by Chris Tully, for Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

TOPSHAM, ME – The Pine Tree State’s sizeable group of 2- and 3-year-old trotters found their Topsham Fair stop on Wednesday (August 12) much to their liking.   Among the group of diagonally gaited Standardbreds is the current sophomore distaff leader, Hayden, who has won five of her six seasonal outings, as well as freshmen colt U Know I Know who is now a perfect four-for-four on his season.

All four $15,000 divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes were held before the regular card at Topsham, starting with the 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings at 12 noon.

Driver Heath Campbell sent his charge Gus’s Workout out to the top with Wilder N Idy (Mark Athearn) dropping in the pocket as the pair left the other participants well behind in a :31.4 opening panel. 

There were no changes as Campbell set a 1:03.1 half, however, as the pacesetters passed the third station in 1:34.1 Athearn had tipped Wilder N Idy to the outside to challenge the leader.

By the head of the stretch the aggressor was just a half-length behind the point man.  Down the stretch they fought until the wire, where Wilder N Idy had gotten up in the final strides to prevail by a quarter length in 2:03 over Gus’s Workout.  

Trained by Gretchen Athearn for owner Patricia Leavitt, the son of To The Hilt picked up his fourth win of the season.  Bred by the late Mike Andrew, he now has 12 wins lifetime with $144,118 earned.

Trottinfortreasure (Aaron Hall) finished third.

In the second $14,681 early Maine Sire Stake for 2-year-old trotting fillies it was all Princess Caledonia (Gary Hall) who led every step of the way to win easily in 2:05 by 2-1/2 lengths.

Co-owned, trained and driven by Gary Hall, the daughter of To The Hilt picked up her third seasonal win.  Also owned by James Kelly Jr., Betsey Kelley and Kristina Hall, she was bred by Anita Anastosopoulos. 

Cape Cod Friday (Dave Ingraham) stayed close to the action and finished second; stable mate Mikella Belle was third.

In the third $15,136 division it was filly sensation Hayden who continued to show her classmates that she is the sharpest kid in school.

Trainer-driver Gary Hall found himself stretched out to the :31 opening panel by the inside- positioned Race Me Boomer and Andy Harrington.  The daughter of Cantab Fashion was parked to that taxing opening panel, but ultimately took command and sprinted away by a 2-3/4 length margin at the 1:01.1 midway point.  Our Last Quote (Mike Cushing) pulled out from third behind the pocket sitting Race Me Boomer as the field hit the more modest 1:32.2 third station. 

With a nice breather under her girth, Hayden trotted home by a measured length to score in 2:02.4 over the Topsham stone dust.

Owned and bred by Stephen Hall, it was the fifth seasonal victory for Hayden and her seventh lifetime, as she increased her bankroll to $85,471.

Race Me Boomer finished second; Our Last Quote was third.

The final Maine Sire Stake on the card was the $15,035 dash for 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings, which was another wire-to-wire rout for the Watson’s U Know I Know.

Ken Watson steered the son of Whataworkout to his fourth consecutive record-lowering win in 2:05.1, prevailing by 3-1/4 lengths over Pembroke Zagursky (Heath Campbell).

Trained by Lisa Watson for owner-breeder Barbara Lawson, the unbeaten divisional star now has $30,244 on his card in just four seasonal outings.

Stable mate Race Me Bruno (Wally Watson) finished third.

Looking ahead, the fair racing continues at Topsham with the 2-year-old filly pacers on Thursday (August 13), and concludes with the 2-year-old male pacers on Saturday (Aug. 15).  The following week the harness racing action moves north to Skowhegan and kicks off on Tuesday (Aug. 18) with the 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers.

For more information about the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes, follow them on Facebook @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website:  MaineSireStakes.com

August 11, 2026 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photo)

TOPSHAM, ME – The Pine Tree State’s glamour boys division swung into Topsham Fair on Monday (Aug. 10) with the group’s top 3-year-old male pacers competing for bragging rights and purse money in a pair of $15,000-plus divisions before the pari-mutuel card.

In the first $15,209 early Maine Sire Stake race, driver Kevin Switzer Jr. was aboard Real Horrorshow and looking to avenge last week’s unusual second place finish. 

Switzer Jr. wasted little time moving his charge through :29.3 and 1:00.2 early splits, while maintaining the lead over the pocket sitting Nuh Uh (Andy Harrington).  Heading to the half and through the 1:30.1 third station Dude’s The Jet (Joey Mosher) was getting that good Maine air and had improved his position from fifth to second out on the rim.

However, down the lane Real Horrorshow kept his rivals at bay and ensured that he would capture the day, winning by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:58.4. 

It was the fourth win of the season for Real Horrorshow, and the 13^th of his career, boosting his lifetime earnings to $137,616.

Trained by the senior Kevin Switzer, who also co-owns with Kathleen Mofield and Anthony Sivik Jr., the son of Dude’s The Man was bred in Maine by Luke and Patricia Varnum.

Nuh Uh finished second; Ghost Ofdarkness (Aaron Hall) was third.

In the second $15,209 division for sophomore male pacers, another non-wagering event, the race belonged to Daytoremember, who last week provided the aforementioned Real Horrorshow his second loss of the season.

Today, the two divisional rivals drew into separate divisions and driver Heath Campbell certainly drove his son of Dude’s The Man like he was the best. Leaving swiftly to take command, the duo then proceeded to set speedy early fractions of :29.1 and 1:00 in the first half.

With Rebel’s Revenge (Aaron Hall) sitting in a tight pocket driver Joey Mosher tipped Ghost Of Winter to the outside from fourth to start the outer flow into a 1:29.4 third panel.

Campbell had his charge poised and fractions to his liking as he was able to hold off the late charge of Rebel’s Revenge by a half length in 1:58.4. 

Daytoremember is owned, trained and was bred by Valerie Grondin, and picked up his fourth consecutive win, and fifth of the season.  Daytoremember now leads Real Horrorshow by 25 points in the divisional standings.

Ghost Of Winter got up for third.

Looking ahead, Topsham hosts all of the Pine Tree State-bred 2- and 3-year-old trotters on Wednesday (Aug. 12), followed by the 2-year-old filly pacers on Thursday (Aug. 13).

For more information about the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes, follow them on Facebook @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website:  MaineSireStakes.com

August 10, 2026 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photo)

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.  Sunday (Aug. 9) the region’s 3-year-old filly pacers rolled into the historic Topsham Fair for a pair of $15,000-plus divisions of sidestepping action featuring the unbeaten phenom, Snowonthepines.

Carded as two early, non-wagering races, the two divisions garnered ample attention despite the lack of betting as fans arrived early to see the filly that has never seen the back of a helmet in fifteen career outings.  Regular driver Kevin Switzer Jr. handled the driving duties in her $15,209 split, with the daughter of Dude’s The Man scoring from post six for trainer Marc Tardif.

Switzer Jr. left swiftly from the outermost post position and was met with some opposition for the front by Just Delightful (Ron Cushing) who stung the unbeaten one into a :28.3 opening panel before clearing.

Those two horses had several lengths on the pack as they reduced the tempo and hit the half in :59.1 with Ekorus (Nick Graffam) sitting third.

More daylight separated the rest of the participants while heading into a 1:29.1 third station with Snowonthepines on top and trying pace away from her nemesis Just Delightful.  Around the turn and down the stretch Cushing pulled the pocket to engage the leader to no avail.  Switzer Jr. asked for more and got it as the pacesetter rolled down to the wire in 1:58.2, winning by 3-3/4 lengths. 

Snowonthepines won all nine of her races at two, and now has six wins this year for trainer Marc Tardif and owner-breeder Leighton Property, bankrolling $145,117. 

Race Me Ireland (Andy Harrington) finished third.

In the other $15,209 division for 3-year-old pacing fillies, Heymickeyyousofine enjoyed a gate-to-wire triumph for driver Heath Campbell, picking up her third lifetime victory.

Campbell hustled the filly to the top and protected his pylon position as they sprint through early fractions of :29.1 and 59.1.

The first to pull was She’s A Firefly (Nick Graffam) who tracked alongside Dudelookslikeafily (Aaron Hall) who sat a pocket trip. Past the 1:29 third panel Campbell let out a notch and the filly responded by drawing off by five lengths to score in 1:58.3, a new lifetime best.

Owned by Jason Vafiades and bred in Maine by Kimberly Vafiades Heymickeyyousofine is by Dude’s The Man.

Dudelookslikeafily finished second; She’s A Firefly was third.

Looking ahead, with Maine’s pari-mutuel tracks on summer hiatus, Topsham hosts the 3-year-old male pacers on Monday (Aug. 10).  Then, all of the Pine Tree State-bred 2- and 3-year-old trotters invade the Topsham Fair on Wednesday (Aug. 12), followed by the 2-year-old filly pacers on Thursday (Aug. 13).

For more information about the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes, follow them on Facebook @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website:  MaineSireStakes.com

August 6, 2026, by Chris Tully, for Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

BANGOR, ME – For the first time this season the Pine Tree State-bred 2-year-old male pacers ventured away from Cumberland and found themselves under the bright lights of Bangor Raceway’s Fair meet on Wednesday (August 5) for three $15,000 divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes. 

The first $14,978 division saw a typical wire-to-wire circuit by The Gucci Man and Kevin Switzer Jr., resulting in the colt’s third consecutive victory.

Setting moderate early fractions of :31.1 and 1:02.3, the son of Dude’s The Man was able to gain separation after a 1:32.1 third panel and win by 4-1/2 lengths in 2:01.1, under the twilight of the early evening program.

Owned, trained and bred by Marc Tardif, the 1-9 heavy favorite returned $2.20 while posting a :29.0 final quarter.  With place and show wagering suspended for the event, Painter’s Treasure (6-1, Andy Harrington, finished second; Duderrific (Heath Campbell) was third.

In the second $15,153 division of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings, it was another wire-to-wire triumph for Top Notch Treasure who completed the circuit in 2:01, the fastest of the evening’s divisions.

Driver Mike Stevenson worked to get the front with the 6-5 second choice and then set strategic fractions of :29.1, and 1:02.1 to the half with Rustysonlytreasure (Aaron Hall) sitting in the pocket, followed by 1-2 favorite Harriman (Nick Graffam) who regained his composure following a rough gaited spell into the first turn.

Harriman was tipped back out first over heading to the half and ducked back into the loose pocket left open by Rustysonlytreasure.  Heading into the 1:32.1 third panel, Hall pulled the right line on Rustysonlytreasure to engage the leader, only to be relegated back to third around the final turn. 

Stevenson popped the earplugs at the head of the stretch and the son of State Treasurer responded with a :28.4 final quarter, keeping a squirrely gaited Harriman at bay by a measured half length.

Trained by Christopher Dubois for owner Steven Moskowitz Racing, he was bred in Maine by Lynn-Marie Plouffe and returned $4.40 for his third consecutive triumph.

Rustysonlytreasure was third.

In the third and final $15,154 division Dudeisadelight picked up his maiden victory, scoring in 2:01.4, in wire-to-wire fashion.

Co-owner and driver Ron Cushing sent the son of Dude’s The Man right to the front and never looked back as they sailed through well-rated fractions of :30.4 and 1:01.4.  Past the half Justcallmebuddy (Aaron Hall) applied pressure first over and through the 1:32.1 third panel, but was ultimately thwarted as Cushing let the pacer roll down the stretch to a 2:01.4 score.

Trained by Heidi Cushing for owners Ron Cushing, S. Downey, A. & J Romanelli, he returned $2.80.  Bred by Lynn-Marie Plouffe, he picked up his first lifetime win and a new record.

South St Justin (Nick Graffam) was placed second; Justcallmebuddy finished second, but was placed third for a pylon violation at the half.

Looking ahead, Maine’s popular Fair season rolls into the Topsham Fair with 3-year-old filly pacers on Monday (Aug. 9), the sophomore male pacers on Tuesday (Aug. 10), and all the 2- and 3- year-old trotters on Thursday (Aug. 12).

For more information about the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes, follow them on Facebook @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website:  MaineSireStakes.com

August 3, 2026, by Chris Tully, for Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – On the final day of the Cumberland meet the Pine Tree State’s entire group of 2- and 3-year-old trotters helped close out the season on Sunday (August 2) at the iconic Southern Maine oval, with many of the series’ familiar faces increasing their leads in the point standings.   Among the group of sophomore distaff trotters is the current Belle of the Ball, Hayden, who has won four of her five seasonal outings.

One of four $14,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes on the track’s finale program, the 3-year-old filly trot was carded as race nine, and once again, Hayden was made the prohibitive public choice at 1-9.

Trainer-driver Gary Hall left swiftly from post two with the daughter of Cantab Fashion and set a moderate :30.1 opening panel, with Our Last Quote (Mike Cushing) grabbing the pocket trip behind the favorite.  Before the nicely rated 1:02.1 half John Nason pulled I Think I Can from third to challenge for the lead and push the tempo.

And increase the tempo she did, as the field entered the backstretch for the final time Hayden started to gain some separation as her gait hastened toward the 1:32.2 third panel.  With I Think I Can stalling on the rim Race Me Boomer and Andy Harrington shot up the pegs to improve their position.

Well in hand, Hayden drew off by 4-1/2 lengths to score in 2:02.1.

Owned and bred by Stephen Hall, it was the fourth seasonal victory for Hayden.  She returned $2.20 for the sixth win of her career, increasing her lifetime earnings to $77,903.

Our Last Quote was second; Race Me Boomer finished third in the $15,486 event.

Earlier on the card the $15,210 Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old trotting colts witnessed the Watson’s U Know I Know continue to dominate the division with another wire-to-wire triumph.

Ken Watson drove the son of Whataworkout to another record-lowering win in 2:05.3, prevailing by 1-1/4 lengths over Pembroke Zagursky (Heath Campbell).

Trained by Lisa Watson for owner-breeder Barbara Lawson, he returned $3.20 for his third win in a row.  Stable mate Race Me Bruno (Wally Watson) finished third.

Earlier in the day, before the pari-mutuel card, Gus’s Workout took his $14,783 division for 3-year-old male trotters. 

Last week’s victor, Wilder N Idy (Mark Athearn), jumped before the start giving driver Heath Campbell an easy lift to the front with Gus’s Workout.  The son of Whataworkout set fractions of :30.1 and 1:00.4 while maintaining a two-to-three length advantage.  By the third panel in 1:30.1 Wilder N Idy had caught up with the field and was parked second behind the pacesetter a few measures.

Down the lane Gus’s Workout had plenty of trot and was able to keep any threats at bay, drawing off by 4-1/4 lengths en route to a new 2:00 lifetime mark.

Trained by Valerie Groundin, he is owned and was bred by Lynn-Marie Plouffe.

Trottinfortreasure (Kevin Switzer Jr.) was third.

In the second $14,681 early Maine Sire Stake for 2-year-old trotting fillies it was another one-two punch by the Gary Hall stable where Princess Caledonia (Gary Hall) evened the score with last week’s victor Mikella Bella (Heath Campbell) to get the win in 2:04.4.

Co-owned, trained and driven by Gary Hall, the daughter of To The Hilt picked up her second seasonal win by five lengths.  Also owned by James Kelly Jr., Betsey Kelley and Kristina Hall, she was bred by Anita Anastosopoulos. 

Cape Cod Friday (Dave Ingraham) was third.

Looking ahead, as the early pari-mutuel season comes to an end, the Maine Sire Stakes action continues at the Bangor Fair with the 2-year-old colt pacers on Wednesday (Aug. 5).  Then, the big top and the midway are the new normal as Maine’s popular Fair season gets into full swing at Topsham with 3-year-old filly pacers on Monday (Aug. 9) and the sophomore male pacers on Tuesday (Aug. 10).

For more information about the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes, follow them on Facebook @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website:  MaineSireStakes.com