July 27, 2026, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Maine’s entire group of 2- and 3-year-old trotters invaded Cumberland Raceway on Sunday (July 26), with all eyes upon co-track record holder Hayden as the filly attempted to avenge her defeat in her most recent outing.

One of four $14,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes on the afternoon program, the sophomore filly trot was carded as race seven and it was evident that the 1-2 public choice was back to her previous form.  Trainer-driver Gary Hall left swiftly from the outermost post six with the daughter of Cantab Fashion and set a swift :29.3 opening panel, leaving three lengths back to the pocket sitting Pembroke Lady (Heath Campbell).

Hayden was then checked back to a more reasonable 1:01.1 midway marker, prompting John Nason to come first over with I Think I Can.  Through the 1:31.3 third panel the pacesetting distaff had allowed the aggressors to get within a half-length of her command.  However, things changed dramatically around the final turn as Hall gave the filly her head and she scampered off to win by 7-3/4 lengths, leaving the rest of the field in her wake with a mile in 2:01.3.

Owned and bred by Stephen Hall, it was the third seasonal victory for Hayden, which was just two fifths of a second off of her previous track record performance.  She returned $3.00 for the fifth win of her career, increasing her lifetime earnings to $70,160.

Our Last Quote (Mike Cushing) rallied for second; I Think I Can was third in the $15,486 event.

The other $15,035 Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old trotting colts was a pari-mutuel dash with the Watson’s U Know I Know emerging as that division’s talent by virtue of his second consecutive victory.

Ken Watson drove the son of Whataworkout to another wire-to-wire romp in 2:06.2, scoring by five open lengths.  Leaving from post two U Know I Know had 12 lengths on the field at the :31.4 opening panel, and after a 1:04 breather, 3-5 favorite Come On Charlie (Mark Athearn) had caught the colt past the 1:35.2 third station.

Nonetheless, as soon as the leader heard hoof beats nearby he responded with a :31 closing kick to grab a new time badge.

Trained by Lisa Watson for owner-breeder Barbara Lawson, he returned $4.00 for his back-to-back triumph.

Pembroke Zagursky (Heath Campbell) was a fast closing second; Come On Charlie was third.

Earlier in the day, before the pari-mutuel card, Wilder N Idy also recaptured some of his previous glory in the $14,783 division for 3-year-old male trotters. 

Following a miscue in his last start, the son of To The Hilt returned to his home turf to try to improve his fortunes for Team Athearn.  Despite a bobble at the start, and spotting the pacesetting Gus’s Workout (Heath Campbell) six lengths, driver Mark Athearn managed to regain the gelding’s composure to get up in the final strides to prevail by three parts of a length in 2:01.

Trained by Gretchen Athearn for owner Patricia Leavitt, it was Wilder N Idy’s third seasonal victory.  Bred by the late Mike Andrew, his lifetime earnings are now $132,919 with 11 career victories under his belt.

Trottinfortreasure (Kevin Switzer Jr.) was third.

In the second $14,681 early Maine Sire Stake for 2-year-old trotting fillies it was a stable mate battle right down to the wire as Mikella Bella overtook the pacesetting Princess Caledonia (Gary Hall) after the filly went off-stride in mid-stretch.

Driven by Heath Campbell for trainer and co-owner Gary Hall, the daughter of To The Hilt won picked up her first win by a length in 2:09.4.  Also owned by James Kelly Jr., Betsey Kelley and Kristina Hall, she was bred by Anita Anastosopoulos. 

Cape Cod Friday (Dave Ingraham) was third.

Kevin Switzer Jr. led all drivers on the Sunday card with four trips to the winners circle, raising his stats on the seasonal leaderboard to 93 wins.  Nick Graffam sits second with 70, and Aaron Hall is third with 59.  Gary Hall, Marc Tardif and Lisa Watson each enjoyed a pair of training wins on the program.  Michelle Lefebvre leads all conditioners over the Spring-Summer meet with 54 wins, while Bob Marston is second with 43 heading into the final weekend of the campaign.

Racing resumes on Saturday (August 1) for the final weekend of the Spring-Summer meet at First Tracks Cumberland. 

First post is 12:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 2. 

A complete calendar and additional information can be viewed by visiting our website:

Racing Info

July 26, 2026, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – While the industry’s attention may have been on the 60^th Delvin Miller Adios on Saturday (July 25), Cumberland Raceway hosted their own showcase for sophomore pacers as two $15,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing fillies featured the current, undefeated divisional star Snowonthepines.

The first $15,209 division, an early non-betting race, was another down the road performance for the daughter of Dude’s The Man who has never seen the back of a helmet.  Scoring from pylon position regular pilot Kevin Switzer Jr. sent the fast filly right out to the front, right where she likes it, and proceeded to set moderate opening fractions of :30 and 1:02.1.

Just Delightful (Ron Cushing) sat a comfortable pocket trip, and as the field went toward the 1:31.1 third panel Joey Mosher tipped Heymickeyyousofine from fifth to improve his position.  However, there was no catching Snowonthepines as she threw down a :28.2 final quarter to put the finishing touches on a 1:59.3 score, winning by a measured 1-1/2 lengths.

Owned and bred by Leighton Property, and trained by Marc Tardif, it was the fifth win of the season.  While maintaining her unblemished record, and obtaining her 14^th lifetime triumph, she increased her career earnings to $137,513.

Just Delightful finished second; She’s A Firefly (Nick Graffam) was third.

In the second $15,209 Maine Sire Stakes for sophomore pacing distaffs it was all Dudelookslikeafily who put the field in her rearview mirror from post one, and never looked back.

Aaron Hall handled the driving duties for this member of the Tardif Taskforce, setting opening splits of :29.1 and 1:01 before any outer flow had developed.  With Ekorus (Nick Graffam) sitting a tight pocket, Andy Harrington moved Race Me Ireland from third to engage the pacesetter as the field hit the third station in 1:30.4.

Down the lane the daughter of Dude’s The Man hit the afterburners and drew off by 4-1/2 lengths to win in 2:00.  Trained by Marc Tardif for owners Leighton Property and Victoria Leighton, it was her third seasonal victory.  Bred in Maine by Stephanie Gray, her lifetime earnings got a boost to $43,316.

Ekorus finished second; Race Me Ireland was third.

On the regular, pari-mutuel program drivers Nick Graffam and Kevin Switzer Jr. traded punches through the first eight races, with each taking four.  Graffam came back to win two more to lead all drivers with six wins on the 13-race program.

Racing resumes on Sunday (July 26) with four $15,000-plus non-wagering events for 3-year-old filly pacers in the Maine Sire Stakes, featuring The action continues with another 13-race pari-mutuel card.

First post is 12:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 2. 

A complete calendar and additional information can be viewed by visiting our website:

Racing Info

July 25, 2026, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – The Pine Tree State’s hopefuls were back in full force on Friday (July 24) at Cumberland Raceway for three $15,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings.

The first $15,328 division was another gate-to-wire romp by The Gucci Man and Kevin Switzer Jr.

Establishing calculated early fractions of :30.1 and 1:01, the son of Dude’s The Man played catch me if you can with the rest of the field.  When The Gucci Man hit the 1:30.4 third panel, he was on top by four and looking for more.  All alone, the duo rolled on to a 9-1/2 length victory in 1:59.4, the fastest division of the afternoon.

Owned, trained and bred by Marc Tardif, the 1-9 heavy favorite returned $2.20 while posting a :29 final quarter in his second straight score.  Justcallmebuddy (Aaron Hall) finished second; Duderrific (Dave Ingraham) rebounded for third.

In the second $15,538 division of the Maine Sire Stakes it was the first lifetime victory for Harriman who established a new 2:01.2 time badge in the process.

Driver Nick Graffam came from off the pace to catch the pacesetting Rustysonlytreasure (Aaron Hall) in mid-stretch to score by 1-1/4 lengths.

Bred, trained and co-owned by Mike Graffam with partner Aaron Merriman (yes, THAT Aaron Merriman), the son of State Treasurer returned $2.40.  Rustysonlytreasure finished second; Destiny Is All (McGwire Sowers) was third.

In the third and final $15,328 division of the Maine Sire Stakes it was a second-straight wire-to-wire win for Top Notch Treasure who hung on to win by three parts of a length in 2:00, a new lifetime best.

Trained by Christopher Dubois for owner Steven Moskowitz Racing, Top Notch Treasure is a State Treasurer half-brother to This Dudes Perfect p,4,1:56.3h ($87,699).  He was bred in Maine by Lynn-Marie Plouffe and returned $2.40.

Driver Kevin Switzer Jr. led all drivers with five wins on the 13-race program.

Racing resumes on Saturday (July 25) with a pair of $15,000-plus non-wagering events for 3-year-old filly pacers in the Maine Sire Stakes, featuring the undefeated Snowonthepines starting at 11:45 am.  The action continues with another 13-race pari-mutuel card.

Saturday (July 25) bettors will also be able watch and wager on the entire card from The Meadows, featuring the 60th renewal of the Delvin Miller Adios Stakes.  First post on that card from Washington, PA will be 11:30 a.m.

First post is 12:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 2. 

A complete calendar and additional information can be viewed by visiting our website:

Racing Info

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

BANGOR, ME – The Pine Tree State’s top division returned to Bangor Raceway on Sunday (July 19) for a pair of $15,000-plus divisions for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers, with the usual suspects capturing decisive victories. 

In the first $15,209 division for sophomore male pacers, a non-wagering event, the race belonged to Daytoremember.

Driven by Heath Campbell the pacer left swiftly to take command and then set modest early fractions of :30.3 and 1:01.3 in the first half.

With Nuh Uh (Andy Harrington) sitting in the pocket driver Mike Stevenson tipped Deuces Red to the outside from third to start the outer flow into a 1:30.2 third panel, while the pacesetting Daytoremember enjoyed a two-length advantage.

At the head of the stretch that lead had increased to four and Campbell was looking for more.  Seemingly on cruise control, the son of Dude’s The Man rolled down to the wire in 1:59, winning easily by 7-1/4 lengths.

Daytoremember is owned, trained and was bred by Valerie Grondin, and picked up his third win of the season, all under the tall shadow of historic Bass Park.

Deuces Red finished second; Silence Ofdarkness (Aaron Hall) was third.

In the second $15,434 early Maine Sire Stake race, driver Chris Long got the call on Real Horrorshow with regular driver Kevin Switzer Jr. out of town for the afternoon. 

Long tested the waters with :30.3 and 1:02.1 early splits, while maintaining the lead over the pocket sitting Rebel’s Revenge (Aaron Hall).  Heading into the 1:30.4 third station Dude’s The Jet (Joey Mosher) and Quint Asper (Heath Campbell) were first, and second over, respectively, with Mia’s Boy (Mark Athearn) making a bold, three-wide move down the backside.

Once again, down the stretch Rebel’s Revenge tried valiantly to reel in the pacesetting Real Horrorshow.  A measured length was all it took for the leader to maintain his command and secure the victory in 2:00.2. 

It was the third win in a row for Real Horrorshow, and the 12^th of his career, boosting his lifetime earnings to $126,098.

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.

Rebel’s Revenge finished second; Dude’s The Jet was third.

Looking ahead, First Tracks Cumberland hosts the 2-year-old colt pacers on Friday (July 24), the 3-year-old pacing fillies on Saturday (July 25), and all the 2- and 3-year-old trotters on Sunday (July 26).

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

July 19, 2026, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – When the Pine Tree State-bred freshmen pacing fillies arrived at Cumberland on Saturday (July 18) 13-race card for two $15,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for distaff sidesteppers, fans may not have known that they were watching the formative starts of the state’s next Standardbred stars.  But that changed quickly when the first division hit the racetrack.

Carded as race nine, the $15,158 first division of 2-year-old pacing fillies sprang from the gate with No Small Wonder (4-5, Kevin Switzer Jr.) sprinting out for an early lead in a snappy :29 opening panel.  From that point the daughter of State Treasurer set a softer half in 1:01.2 with no outer flow threatening her dominance.

Down the backstretch Feel The Fury (4-1, Aaron Hall) tipped first over from third and got to within a length of the pacesetter into a 1:31.1 third stanza.  Bettor’s Treasure (3-2, McGwire Sowers), who had the pocket for most of the mile was now third and slingshot off the turn with the leaders.

Switzer Jr. gave his filly her head as they rolled down the lane to score by two lengths in 2:00.2, a new lifetime best and just seven ticks off the track record.

Trained by Kevin Switzer Sr. for owners KDK Standardbreds, Kathleen Mofield and Anthony Sivik Jr., it was the second consecutive victory for No Small Wonder.  Bred in Maine by Luke and Patricia Varnum, she returned $3.60.

Feel The Fury finished second; Bettor’s Treasure was third.

The second $14,983 division of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing fillies was captured by Wine For The Lady in 2:04.1.

Heath Campbell cut the mile with Siri, but driver Aaron Hall took advantage of the modest fractions to come from off the pace and pass several horses in the lane to win with Wine For The Lady by two lengths.  She returned $4.00.

Trained by Marc Tardif for owner-breeder Leighton Property, the daughter of State Treasurer picked up her first lifetime victory, and a new time badge.

Siri finished second; Bad Bunny T (5-1, Switzer Jr.) was third.

Dave Ingraham steered Married Man (1:54.3, $3.80) to an easy wire-to-wire victory in the overnight featured $5,800 NW3500 pace for trainer Bob Martson and owner Bob Kluchevitz.

Aaron Hall led all drivers on the program with five trips to the winners circle.

Racing resumes next week when First Tracks Cumberland will offer a three day run from Fri., July 24 through Sun., July 26 during the penultimate weekend of the meet.  Saturday (July 25) bettors will be able watch and wager on the entire card from The Meadows, featuring the 60^th renewal of the Delvin Miller Adios Stakes.  First post on that card from Washington, PA will be 11:30 a.m.

First post is 12:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 2. 

July 18, 2026, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Heavy favorite Party At Seven made quick work of the $6,400 featured overnight race on Friday’s (July 17) 13-race card at Cumberland Raceway, along with two $15,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old trotters anointing two fresh-faced winners.

When the wings folded for the seventh race NW5000 Trot, Party At Seven (4-5, Nick Graffam) ducked in the two hole as TCS Brenda (9-2, Dave Ingraham) blasted out for an early lead.  Less than two furlongs had elapsed when Graffam tipped the public’s choice out to take command into a :28.3 opening panel.

Under single file alignment the field breezed past the half in :58.3 with Party At Seven leading the charge, TCS Brenda in a loose pocket second, and Brutalizer (7-2, Andy Harrington) trotting in third.  With Party At Seven on top by three heading down the backstretch the final time, Harrington pulls the right line on Brutalizer to improve his position.  They hit the third station in 1:27.4 and round the turn for home with Brutalizer still parked, but now second.

Party At Seven had all but decided the race at the head of the stretch while on top by four, and looking for more.  However, the battle was still raging on for second with TCS Brenda on the inside and fighting back against the ongoing attack of Brutalizer.  At the finish line Party At Seven tripped the timer in 1:57.2, just one tick off the track record for an aged gelding trotter.

Trained by Michelle Lefebvre for owner Ralph Silvestri, the 6-year-old son of Chapter Seven returned $2.80 for the 6-1/2 length triumph.  He was bred by Spring Haven Farm and now has 12 wins lifetime, with six coming this season, while increasing his lifetime earnings to $118,880.

TCS Brenda tussled back to retake second; Brutalizer was third.

Young trotters making their debut in the Maine Sire Stakes were also on the program, with the first $14,000 division slated as an early non-wagering race.  That 2-year-old filly trot was captured by Princess Caledonia in 2:09.4.  The daughter of To The Hilt is trained, driven and co-owned by Gary Hall with partners James Kelley Jr., Betsey Kelley and Kristina Hall.  She was bred in Maine by Anita Anastosopolous. 

Mikella Bella (Heath Campbell) finished second; Cape Cod Friday (Dave Ingraham) was third.

The second $15,210 division for 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings belonged to U Know I Know and Kenneth Watson who steered the son of Whataworkout to a two length victory in 2:07.3.  Owned and bred by Barbara Lawson, he returned $8.00 for trainer Lisa Watson.

Come On Charlie (Mark Athearn) was parked the entire first half and finished second; Race Me Bruno (Wally Watson) was third.

For all of these youngsters, it was their first lifetime purse starts.

Nick Graffam led all drivers on the program with three trips to the winners circle.

We were pleased to partner with Harness Elite, as their Track of the Day.  Continue to follow Harness Elite at: https://www.harnesselite.com/track-of-the-day

Racing continues on Saturday (July 18) in keeping with the track’s Friday – Saturday schedule.  Next week, First Tracks Cumberland will offer a three day run from Fri., July 24 through Sun., July 26 during the penultimate weekend of the meet.  Saturday (July 25) bettors will be able watch and wager on the entire card from The Meadows, featuring the 60^th renewal of the Delvin Miller Adios Stakes.  First post on that card from Washington, PA will be 11:30 a.m.

First post is 12:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 2. 

July 16, 2026 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – The husband and wife team of driver Heath Campbell and trainer Valerie Grondin enjoyed a sweep of both of the $14,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes at Bangor Raceway on Wednesday (July 15) with a pair of sophomore trotters.

In the first $14,408 division for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings, the current point leader Wilder N Idy (March Athearn) made an uncharacteristic miscue in the early going, giving Campbell plenty of racetrack for Gus’s Workout to blast out to a ten length advantage.

Hitting early fractions of :28.4 and :59.1 the son of Whataworkout never had an anxious moment as the duo continued to lead the field by open lengths.  Following a 1:29 third panel Campbell eased the trotter home in 2:00.3, shaving nearly five seconds off of the gelding’s previous time badge.

Owned and bred by Lynn-Marie Plouffe it was the trotter’s first stakes win, and boosted his lifetime earnings to $69,512 in the 15-length romp for trainer Valerie Grondin. 

Trottingfortreasure (Kevin Switzer Jr.) finished second; Wilder N Idy was third in the early, non-wagering event.

In the second $15,261 Pine Tree State-bred event for 3-year-old trotting fillies it was the freshmen filly champ, Pembroke Lady, who found her previous form and made it to the winner’s circle for the first time this season.

Heath Campbell wasted little time putting the daughter of Pembroke Slugger out on the point and led the field into a soft :31.2 opening panel.  On top by three lengths, with the rest of the trotting distaffs tracking along single file, Pembroke Lady took her followers through a 1:03.4 midway marker and likewise into the 1:34.1 third station.

With no pressure in sight Campbell strode home in 2:04.2 by 4-1/4 lengths giving Pembroke Lady a new lifetime mark.  Trained by Valerie Grondin, owned by Brenda Varney, and bred by the late William Varney, it was the filly’s ninth lifetime victory and increased her bankroll to $111,761.

Out Last Quote (Mike Cushing) finished second; I Think I can (John Nason) was third in the second non-wagering race.  Leading divisional point earner, Hayden, also made an early break and was not a factor.

Looking ahead, First Tracks Cumberland hosts all the 2-year-old trotters who are making their pari-mutuel debut on Friday (July 17).  Over the weekend Cumberland also presents the 2-year-old pacing fillies on Saturday (July 18) with Bangor featuring the 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings on Sunday (July 19).

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

July 13, 2026 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – While some punters discount horses starting from the far outside, even the dreaded 8-hole could not stop the undefeated Snowonthepines from conquering her fellow 3-year-old Maine-bred pacing fillies on Sunday (July 12) at Bangor Raceway.

With regular driver Kevin Switzer Jr. back in the bike for the $15,968 lone division of the Maine Sire Stakes for sophomore sidestepping distaffs, the perfect daughter of Dude’s The Man was sent off as the 1-9 heavy favorite from her outermost post position.

Switzer Jr. left swiftly from the rim and was met with some strategic resistance in the form of the diminutive Just Delightful (7-1, Ron Cushing) who stretched the public choice into a :28.1 opening panel before clearing.

With those two leaders nearly ten lengths ahead of the rest of the pack, they reduced the tempo and hit the half in :58.1 with Dudelookslikeafily (40-1, Aaron Hall) sitting third and Andy Harrington tipping Race Me Ireland from fifth to start the outer flow.

The field tightened up dramatically while heading into a 1:28 third station with Snowonthepines on point and trying to duck her persistent pursuer Just Delightful.  Around the turn and down the stretch Cushing pulled the pocket to engage the leader.  However, with Switzer Jr. merely shaking the lines at the pacesetter, the fast filly proceeded to draw off and win easily by 2-3/4 lengths in 1:56.2, a new lifetime best.

Having won all nine of her races at two, Snowonthepines now has four wins this year for trainer Marc Tardif and owner-breeder Leighton Property.  She returned $2.20 to win, with no show wagering on this race at historic Bass Park.

Dudelookslikeafily finished third.

Looking ahead, Bangor hosts all the 3-year-old trotters on Wednesday (July 15), with all the 2-year-old trotters making their pari-mutuel debut on Friday (July 17) at First Tracks Cumberland.  Over the weekend Cumberland presents the 2-year-old pacing fillies on Saturday (July 18) with Bangor inviting the 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings on Sunday (July 19).

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

July 11, 2026, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – With their seasonal hopes on the line, the Maine faithful sent this year’s group of freshmen sidesteppers out onto the Cumberland Raceway on Friday (July 10) for three $14,000 divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings.

With nothing but a qualifying race or two under their belts the fresh-faced youngsters provided some thrills, and some anxious moments, for the Downeast crowd at the iconic Southern oval.

Despite being rough gaited as the wings folded Agent James Bond (9-5, Kevin Switzer Jr.) rolled on aggressively and then inherited the point when the favorite Dudeisadelight (4-5, Ron Cushing) made a speed break down the backstretch as the first division headed toward their very first pari-mutuel :30 opening panel.

Agent James Bond led the single file pack to a 1:00.4 half-mile marker with Dudeisadelight back on-stride tracking along in the pocket and Survive The Ride (6-1, Aaron Hall) poised in third.  At the paddock draw gate Painter’s Treasure (13-1, Andy Harrington) tipped from fifth and nine lengths in arrears to start the outer flow.  They reached the third stanza in 1:30.4 with Survive The Ride providing Painter’s Treasure with second over cover as they rounded the turn for home.

Harrington tipped Painter’s Treasure three-wide for the stretch drive and reeled in his combatants to prevail by a neck in 2:02.1 for trainer Sara Harrington.

Owned and bred by Bill ‘Yarmouth Lumber’ Phipps, the son State Treasurer is a half-brother to Glorilla p,3,1:56f ($101,421).  He paid a whopping $28.60 to win the first race of his career.

Agent James Bond finished second; Dudeisadelight was third.

The second $14,000 division was a gate-to-wire romp by The Gucci Man and Kevin Switzer Jr.

Setting strategic early fractions of :29.1 and 1:01.1, the son of Dude’s The Man was able to gain separation after a 1:30.4 third panel and win by 6-3/4 lengths in 2:00.2, the swiftest division of the 81 degree afternoon.

Owned, trained and bred by Marc Tardif, the 2-1 second choice returned $6.00 while posting a :29.3 final quarter.  Harriman (9-1, Nick Graffam), a half-brother to Cousin Margie p,3,1:54h ($126,532) finished second; favorite Rustysonlytreasure (8-5, Aaron Hall) was third.

In the third and final $14,000 division of the Maine Sire Stakes it was another wire-to-wire triumph for Top Notch Treasure who completed the circuit in 2:02.2.

Driver Mike Stevenson set comfortable fractions of :30.4, 1:03, and 1:32.4 before drawing off to win by six lengths as the 3-5 favorite.

Trained by Christopher Dubois for owner Steven Moskowitz Racing, Top Notch Treasure is a State Treasurer half-brother to This Dudes Perfect p,4,1:56.3h ($87,699).  He was bred in Maine by Lynn-Marie Plouffe and returned $3.20.

Justcallmebuddy (8-5, Aaron Hall) a Deuce Seelster full brother to Justcallmebuck p,4,1:51f ($212,960) finished second; Two Bolts (16-1, Mike Cushing) was third.

Driver Nick Graffam led all drivers with four wins on the 13-race program, including a victory in the overnight featured $6,400 NW5000 Trot with Party At Seven (1:58.4, $12.80).

Racing continues on Saturday (July 11) in keeping with the track’s Friday – Saturday schedule for the remainder of the month.  The only exception being a three day run from Fri., July 24 through Sun., July 26 during the penultimate weekend of the meet. 

First post is 12:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 2. 

A complete calendar and additional information can be viewed by visiting our website:

Racing Info

July 9, 2026, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Chris Tully photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Three $14,000 divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings bolster Friday’s (July 10) 13-race card at Cumberland Raceway, with the freshmen sidesteppers all making their first pari-mutuel starts.

The first division is slated as race three and features several full- or half-brothers to previous Maine Sire Stakes stars.  Many had taken advantage of the baby races held at Cumberland over the last several weeks, with several who had taken qualifying marks in those preliminary events.

The co-favorite from post two is part of a tandem from the Tardif Taskforce is Survive The Ride (3-1, Aaron Hall) who is a Deuce Seelster full brother to Mrs Foxy Roxy p,4,1:57h ($111,990).  Scoring from pylon position is Dudeisadelight (7-2, Ron Cushing) who is a Dude’s The Man half-brother to Hesjustadelight p,4,1:52.4f ($221,169).  In addition, Bill ‘Yarmouth Lumber’ Phipps sends Painter’s Treasure (5-1, Andy Harrington) into the mix, who is a State Treasurer half-brother to Glorilla p,3,1:56f ($101,421).

The second $14,000 division is led by Rustysonlytreasure (5-1, Aaron Hall) who is the first foal from the successful racemare Rusty’s Treasure p,4,1:55.3f ($192,258).  Tardif also sends One Last Deal (9-2, Andy Harrington) who is a Dude’s The Man half-brother to Deal With It Roman p,1:55.1h ($214,082), who he also owns and bred.  M&L Of Delaware, who had an ownership interest in Dude’s The Man while he raced, bred Duderrific (7-2, Heath Campbell), a half-brother to Manador p,2,1:54.4.f ($102,155).

The third and final division of the Maine Sire Stakes features Justcallmebuddy (5-1, Aaron Hall) a Deuce Seelster full brother to 4 in 1:55 or faster and the winners of nearly a million dollars, including Justcallmebuck p,4,1:51f ($212,960).  Tardif sends out They Call Me Jaws (3-1, Kevin Switzer Jr.), a Thirty Two Red half-brother to Whisper Of Luck p,4,1:57.2h ($100,662).  Rounding out the top three is Top Notch Treasure (7-1, Mike Stevenson) who is a State Treasurer half-brother to  This Dudes Perfect p,4,1:56.3h ($87,699).

Racing continues on Saturday (July 11) in keeping with the track’s Friday – Saturday schedule for the remainder of the month.  The only exception being a three day run from Fri., July 24 through Sun., July 26 during the penultimate weekend of the meet. 

First post is 12:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 2. 

A complete calendar and additional information can be viewed by visiting our website:

Racing Info