October 15, 2023, by Chris Tully for the Maine Sire Stakes (Thomas Smith photos)

BANGOR, ME – Luke McGook, the fast horse with the funny name, provided for a mild upset while capturing Saturday’s (Oct. 14) $71,134 Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings, highlighting the rich $280,000-plus Pine Tree State-bred sophomore finals at Bangor.

Trained by the powerful Marc Tardif stable and driven to victory by Kevin Switzer Jr., the son of Rock N’ Roll World allowed his pylon starting position to enhance his chances at a big payday by allowing his stablemate favorite to take command in the early going.

The 1-5 bettor’s choice So Rock N’ Roll (post 6, Walter Case Jr.) sprung hard and fast from the wings, but had to work through a parked-out :28.4 opening panel before assuming total command going into the paddock turn.

As Case eased the field into a :59.2 half, the cavalry charge from the outer flow forced his hand to quicken the tempo through turn three and down the backside for the final time.

Last year’s freshman champ Two Towns Over (Aaron Hall-Valerie Grondin) was first up, followed closely by Rockaroundsam (Dan Deslandes-Marc Tardif) with Luke McGook getting a perfect pocket trip into the 1:27.4 third panel.

With the outside horses failing to advance track announcer Mike Sweeney exclaimed, “Luke McGook is revving up the engines as the two step clear of the field.”

Rounding the final turn, with dead aim on the finish line, the leaders fought head to head, toe to toe and wheel to wheel as the reinsmen boldly encouraged their charges with every ground-covering stride.  Under the shadow of the wire Luke McGook got up to win by a scant three parts of a length in 1:57.1 over So Rock N’ Roll.

Trained by Marc Tardif for owner Leighton Property, it was the ninth seasonal victory for Luke McGook.  Bred by Erica Saucier, the sophomore gelding now has $105,404 in seasonal earnings.  He paid $7.60 to win.

Twice The Ice (Andrew Harrington) finished third, giving the Tardif Taskforce a sweep of the top three finishers.

South St Dottie easily handled her foes in the $71,118 Maine Sire Stakes final for 3-year-old pacing fillies.  Driven by Nick Graffam for trainer Mike Graffam, the daughter of Western Maverick made every call a winning one, getting the pillar to post victory in 1:58.3.

Owned and bred by Jan Donaway, the even-money favorite has banked $124,044 this season with ten trips to the winners circle.  She paid $4.20 to win.

Katelyn’s Angel (Kevin Switzer Jr.-Marc Tardif) stayed close throughout the entire mile and was back just 1-1/4 lengths to be second; La Mambacita (Heath Campbell-Valerie Grondin) was third.

Ivan Davies sent both of his star trotters out to do the work they were bred for, and neither disappointed.

In the opener, the $70,852 Maine Sire Stakes final for 3-year-old trotting fillies, Wild Ending was unceremoniously barred from the wagering.  To the casual observer it may have been somewhat confusing as the filly was listed as scratched for the bettors and viewers at home.  Nonetheless, the Anita ‘Bunny’ Anastosopoulos-Andrew-owned and Mike Andrew-bred distaff by Boy Band was very much in the race and dictated all the fractions with authority.

With the wire to wire victory nearly preordained, the final time was clocked in 2:03.2, with the ‘purse only’ participant winning by 5-1/4 lengths.  Her seasonal kitty has now soared to $105,683 with nine wins to her credit.  Coming off that impressive victory, she looks to be a hot commodity in the Concord Stud Farm, Agent consignment at the upcoming Harrisburg Mixed Sale.

For betting purposes, the second place finisher Another Adventure (Kevin Switzer Jr.-Marc Tardif) was declared the pari-mutuel ‘winner’ and paid $14.00.  B R Glory (Wally Watson-Lisa Watson) was third.

Wild Ending’s stable mate and Boy Band-sired travel companion Wabanaki also made quick work of his challengers in the $70,966 Maine Sire Stakes final for sophomore male trotters.

Davies took command and never looked back as the gelding cruised through every panel with ease in the early non-wagering event, scoring in 2:00.3.  While the margin of victory was 3-1/4 lengths, the win was bittersweet for all the same connections as this horse will also head to the Standardbred Horse Sale in November.  With his steady gait and will to win, interested parties will find his $100,934 in seasonal earnings very attractive.

The Maine Sire Stakes finals are a strong representation of 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 the racetracks and fairs 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 13, 2023, by Chris Tully for the Maine Sire Stakes

BANGOR, ME – Hollywood Casino Hotel and Raceway at historic Bass Park welcomes the $280,000-plus Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old Pine Tree State-bred harness horses on Saturday (Oct. 14) in Bangor, Maine. 

The state-bred action begins thirty minutes before the regular 6:00 pm post time with an early non-betting event, the $70,966 Maine Sire Stakes Final for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings.  Seven males go postward, with the focus placed squarely upon the dominant Wabanaki from the Ivan Davies stable.

A winner of seven of his last eleven starts, the son of Boy Band has been the horse to beat all season long, and it appears that the Maine State Harness Racing commission used that logic in placing this event ‘off’ the regular card.  Already barred from the wagering earlier this season at the Farmington Fair for his propensity toward victory, the Anita ‘Bunny’ Anastosopoulos-Andrew-owned and Mike Andrew-bred gelding scores from post three in the series finale. 

Having earned over $121,000 during the last two seasons, our sources tell us that this successful trotter has been consigned to the Standardbred Mixed Sale in Harrisburg, PA and will look to go out with a bang.

The only horse to consistently pester Wabanaki this season is Outlawofthevalley (Kevin Switzer Jr.-Marc Tardif) who landed in the outermost seventh post position.  Although not afraid to leave when necessary, the seasonal earner of $50,837 will also need some racing luck to overcome his luck of the draw.  Ironically, three of those winning efforts against his rival Wabanaki have come over the surfaces at Cumberland and Bangor.

The first race on the card, the $70,852 Maine Sire Stake final for 3-year-old trotting fillies, has the other wildly talented trotter from the Ivan Davies stable, Wild Ending.  She is also a product of the sire Boy Band and bred by the late Mike Andrew.  Owned by Anita ‘Bunny’ Anastosopoulos-Andrew and a winner of eight races and $70,257 this season, her success has had some additional unintended consequences.  For the second time this year she has been barred from the wagering.  Wild Ending is also reportedly consigned to the Mixed Sale in Harrisburg.

While Wild Ending leaves from post five and races for purse money only, the Mike Cushing trained and driven filly She’salilbitmouthy has been installed as the 4-5 wagering favorite from post two.  Owned by Mona Dodd, the daughter of Victor Blue Chip has three wins and $436,827 earned this year.  Marc Tardif’s Another Adventure (3, Kevin Switzer Jr.) is picked for second in the mutuels at 5-2.

Race four introduces the first of two pacing proceedings, with the $71,118 Maine Sire Stakes final for 3-year-old pacing fillies.  The full field of eight is headed by South St Dottie (post 4, Nick Graffam) who has excelled in both Maine and Massachusetts events, sporting $89,485 seasonally with nine victories.  Trained by Mike Graffam for owner-breeder Jan Donaway, the daughter of Western Maverick has been installed as the 9-5 favorite and boasts a new 1:53.3 record taken at Plainridge last week.

Her sparring partner for this bout is Katelyn’s Angel (post 1, Switzer Jr.) a filly that is also by Western Maverick and hails from the powerful Tardif Taskforce stable of Marc and Peg Tardif.  A winner of five races and $72,006 this season in multiple jurisdictions, she was bred by, and is currently owned by, Leighton Property.

The glamour boys hit the stone dust in race six, the $71,134 Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings, with the Tardif’s sending the two early favorites into the fracas.

So Rock Rock N’Roll (post 6, Walter Case Jr.) has form and function on his side, as the son of Western Maverick won his last start at Fryeburg against these foes.  Also owned and bred by the Leighton’s, the gelding has six wins and six seconds in 13 seasonal starts earning over $90,000 and is the 3-2 top choice.

Luke McGook (1, Switzer Jr.) shows a short respite since his last start and has been made the second choice at 5-2.  A winner of $69,837 and eight races this year, the son of Rock N’ Roll World is one of five entrants trained by Marc Tardif.

Other contenders are Two Towns Over (2, Aaron Hall-Valerie Grondin) and Colt Bennett (7, Dave Ingraham-David Crochere) at 5-1 and 7-1 respectively.

The Maine Sire Stakes Finals represent a 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 8, 2023 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes (Joseph Shaw photos)

FRYEBURG, ME – The Maine Sire Stakes made its final appearance in front of capacity crowds on Friday and Saturday (Oct. 6 & 7) at the Fryeburg Fair in preparation for the rich finals next week.

The 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings squared off in two $14,567 divisions before the regular card on Saturday (Oct. 7), with Mattucci winning the fastest division in 1:59.2 over a track rated good.

The Maine faithful disregarded the damp conditions to cheer for their favorite harness heroes as the fans got what they wanted in thrilling victories and seeing their favorite horses and drivers in action.

Drew Campbell driving Mattucci left swiftly from post four and was treated to some of that good Fryeburg air into the opening panels of :29.3 and :58.3, having been hung out to dry by Facemaskrequired (Walter Case Jr.).

Finally clearing the lead while heading to the 1:29 third panel, Campbell had Mattucci on top and in control through the head of the stretch.  However, Race Me Maverick (Bill Childs) made a first over move and challenged the leader down to the wire, falling short by a nose.

Owned, bred and trained by Valerie Grondin with co-owner Gino Mattucci, the son of Western Maverick picked up his first win of the season in the strong effort, while establishing a new lifetime mark.

Two Points (Dave Ingraham-Eric Bickmore) finished third.

The other $14,567 division was captured by So Rock N’ Roll in 1:59.4.

The son of Western Maverick was forced three deep into the :30.1 opening panel, and coasted home a winner after that, throwing in a :28.1 final quarter for good measure.

So Rock N’ Roll is owned and was bred by the Leighton’s, and picked up his sixth win of the year, pushing his seasonal bankroll to $90,640.

Colt Bennett (Dave Ingraham-David Crochere) finished second; Twice The Ice (Kevin Switzer Jr.-Marc Tardif) was third.  Both those divisions were raced before the regular card.

On Friday (Oct. 6), the $15,418 Maine-sired filly pacers raced on the card, with wagering favorite Pickmepickme scoring in 1:59.2.

It was a wire-to-wire, two length score for the homebred Tardif Taskforce stable favorite, who paid $3.60 to win.

Driven by Andy Harrington for owner-breeder-trainer Marc Tardif, the daughter of Western Maverick now has seven wins this season and lifetime earnings of $155,025.

Katelyn’s Angel (Mike Stevenson-Marc Tardif) finished second; La Mambacita (Aaron Hall-Valerie Grondin) was third.

All the Pine Tree State-sired 3-year-olds reconvene at Bangor for their $280,000-plus divisional finals on Saturday (Oct. 14).

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

October 5, 2023 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes

FARMINGTON, ME – Two $14,000-plus divisions of Maine Sire Stakes for sophomore trotters soared through the famous Fryeburg Fair on Wednesday (Oct. 4) with the impressive pair of Ivan Davies-trained and driven pupils scoring again before the regular pari-mutuel card.

In the first $14,827 Maine Sire Stakes event the rest of the field of 3-year-old trotting fillies were content to let Davies’ Wild Ending cut the fractions while they followed along politely.  Through moderate panels of :31, 1:01.4 and 1:32.2, the conditioner-reinsman was very much in command with the top filly, making every call a winning one.

Wild Ending and Davies hit the wire in 2:03, scoring by 3-1/2 lengths.  The daughter of Boy Band is owned by Anita ‘Bunny’ Anastosopoulos-Andrew, and bred by the late Mike Andrew.  It was Wild Ending’s eighth win of the season, and fourth victory in a row.

She’salilbitmouthy (Mike Cushing) finished second; Melania’s Best (John Nason) was third.

Davies came right back with the colt by the same sire, Wabanaki, and maintained his pylon starting position through fractions of :30.1, 1:00.4 and 1:31.

By the head of the stretch Davies had Wabanaki rolling with a full head of steam and put an additional 5-1/2 lengths between himself and the rest of the field, scoring in 2:00.1.

Also owned by Anita ‘Bunny’ Anastosopoulos-Andrew, and bred by the late Mike Andrew, it was Wabanaki’s seventh win of the season.

Eustis (Mike Stevenson-Gordon Corey) finished second; Outlawofthevalley (Kevin Switzer Jr.-Marc Tardif) was third.

The Maine Sire Stakes resumes at the Fryeburg Fair on Friday (Sept. 6) with the 3-year-old pacing fillies and concludes Saturday (Oct. 7) with sophomore male pacers.  All the Pine Tree State-sired 3-year-olds reconvene at Bangor for their $280,000-plus divisional finals on Saturday (Oct. 14).

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

October 1, 2023, by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – The Maine faithful were out in force on Saturday (Sept. 30) when the Pine Tree State-bred freshmen battled for bragging rights in the $200,000-plus Maine Sire Stakes finals for 2-year-olds on the closing day of the iconic Cumberland Fair.

The swiftest stakes race of the afternoon program was captured by Gowestyounggrace in 1:59.4 taking the $51,023 final for frosh filly pacers.

Driven by Dave Ingraham for trainer and owners/breeders Fred Ward Jr. and Sharon Ward, the homebred daughter of Western Maverick and wagering favorite worked hard to get to the top.

When the wings folded 8-5 second choice Who’s Perfect (Heath Campbell-Valerie Grondin) dashed out for the lead with Summertime (Steve Wilson) and Mrs Foxy Roxy (Nick Graffam-Mike Graffam) settling into the second and third positions, respectively.

Just after the field hit the :28.1 opening panel Ingraham had Gowestyounggrace out and rolling through the turn and while passing the stands the aggressor had made up nearly six lengths and was looking the leader right in the eye.

That :59 second stanza breather was neither a benefit, nor a detriment, to the advancing Gowestyounggrace as she got to within a whisker of the lead as Who’s Perfect was valiantly trying to gain some separation at the 1:28.1 third station.

With the rest of the herd smelling blood in the water and racing for second, Ingraham took charge and scooted home by a very comfortable 3-1/2 lengths, with the final time just a fifth of a second off the filly’s lifetime best.  Gowestyounggrace paid $4.00 to win her fifth race of the season.

Summertime finished second; My Sweet Revenge (Walter Case Jr.-Marc Tardif) was third.

When the boys got busy in the $51,023 Maine Sire Stakes 2-year-old colt and gelding pace final, it was the tactical steer by Ron Cushing that rewarded the connections of Hesjustadelight with the champion’s trophy.

At the start Kevin Switzer Jr. driving 4-5 favorite Two Fold Cold (Marc Tardif) from the dreaded post eight was literally forced to leave and continued moving up to grab the lead just past the :29.2 opening panel.

Alertly, Cushing was anticipating the scenario and was content in the pocket while Dave Ingraham pulled Oakleypopsthedeuce first over into a :59.2 half.  While that put Cushing and Hesjustadelight in a box, the veteran reinsman sat chilly through the 1:30 third station.

As the field rounded the final turn daylight emerged for Cushing as he found racing room and set his sails into the wind and let the son of Western Maverick’s final brush take him home a winner in 2:01.4.

Trained by Heidi Cushing and owned by Ron Cushing, (breeder) Lynn-Marie Plouffe, Anthony and Joseph Romanelli, it was the gelding’s fourth win of the season.  He paid $5.40 to win.

Two Fold Cold finished second; Justcallmebuck (Gary Hall) was third.

In the $50,567 Maine Sire Stakes final for 2-year-old trotting fillies it was

Pembroke Breeze who emerged victorious.  Trained by Valerie Grondin and driven by Heath Campbell, the daughter of Pembroke Slugger is owned and was bred by Bill Varney.  She paid $3.40 to win in 2:07, giving her four seasonal victories. 

Bernie’s Legacy (Ivan Davies) finished second; My Saving Grace (Mark & Gretchen Athearn) was third.

Before the card was the $50,421 Maine Sire Stakes for freshmen trotting colts and geldings, which completed a sweep of the trotting splits for the aforementioned connections.  Pembroke Will was driven by Heath Campbell for trainer Valerie Grondin and owner/breeder Bill Varney with the son of Pembroke Slugger taking a new lifetime mark of 2:08.3 in the process.

Stable mate Chipper Dale (Valerie Grondin) finished second; Carrabassett (Athearn) was third.

Racing concludes at the Cumberland Fair with a special 11 am post time for Sunday (Oct. 1), where the first 100 patrons that purchase a program will receive a $5 betting voucher. 

First Tracks Cumberland’s winter festival reconvenes on Sunday, November 5, abiding by a weekend racing schedule through Christmas Eve (Dec. 24).  Winter post times will be 11 a.m.

More information can be found on our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com and on our Facebook page: First Tracks Cumberland.