June 24, 2024 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes (Holli Niles photos)
BANGOR, ME – Two $16,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing fillies splashed through the off-going on Sunday (June 23) at Bangor, both resulting in double-digit win tickets.
In the first $16,421 division for sophomore distaffs, the field had to contend with slippery conditions as well as each other. Behind the gate the 1-9 favorite Gowestyounggrace (Dave Ingraham-Fred Ward) briefly lost her footing and was forced to settle into fifth position as the field entered the first turn.
Heath Campbell sent Who’s Perfect right out for the lead in a 30.4 opening panel, which was swift given the lack of traction. My Sweet Revenge (Kevin Switzer Jr.) settled right in to draft along in second, with Summertime (Steve Wilson) gapping out in third.
Heading into the 1:02.3 decreased tempo half-mile marker Ingraham pulled Gowestyounggrace to the outside and moved first over while advancing from fourth to third. At the 1:32.3 swifter third panel it was clear that the favorite had her work cut out for her as the leader, Who’s Perfect, had put four lengths between them. However, the loose pocket sitting My Sweet Revenge was gearing up for her challenge, poised to pounce.
As the field turned for home Switzer found another gear and the race was on. Who’s Perfect battled gamely down the stretch but the 29.3 final quarter fashioned by My Sweet Revenge was too much to overcome, as she prevailed by three-quarters of length at the wire in 2:02.4.
Trained by Marc Tardif for owner Leighton Property, the daughter of Western Maverick picked up her 3rd lifetime win and a new record. Paying a handsome $24.60 to win, she was bred by Laurie Harding and Reginald Duguay.
Gowestyounggrace rallied to be third.
The second $16,197 division was delayed slightly for track maintenance, but nonetheless provided for an exciting stretch drive and another close finish.
When the starting card scurried out of the way driver Drew Campbell scooted to the lead with Mrs Foxy Roxy and found himself on top by five until his brother Heath Campbell blasted past a challenger to grab the two hole with Pembroke Red. They hit the opening quarter in 31.1 with the rest of the 5-horse field stretched out like a quarter to three.
With the pack tightening up dramatically past the 1:01.2 half, the first to pull to the outside was 3-5 favorite Ghost Of You (Switzer-Tardif), and considering following cover was stable mate Push Your Luck (Walter Case Jr.). At the 1:32.4 third panel Heath’s charge was breathing down his brother Drew’s neck. A slingshot move off the turn and Pembroke Red was gaining momentum on the pacesetter, as Ghost Of You was three wide and brushing down the center of the track.
With Drew on the inside and Heath in the middle, it was ‘mano a mano,’ brother against brother in a dog fight sprint down the stretch. Add-in Swizter and the event developed into a thrilling three-horse race, right down to the finish.
The wire arrived just in time for Mrs Foxy Roxy who won the family feud over Pembroke Red by a scant neck in 2:04.3.
Trained by James Dunn for owners William McElvain Jr., Diane Dunn and Bradford Veilleux, the daughter of Deuce Seelster grabbed her fifth career victory and a new seasonal mark. Bred by Kristina and Gary Hall, she paid $16.60 to win.
Ghost Of You finished third by a tight length.
The Maine Sire Stakes resumes on Friday (June 28) at Cumberland with the return of the 3-year-old trotters. The following day (Saturday, June 29) the sophomore male pacers take center stage at First Tracks. Post time for both days is 3:15 pm. The aforementioned group of 3-year-old pacing fillies comes back to Bangor on Sunday (June 30) with the first post at 3:00 pm.
For more information about the Maine Sire Stakes, follow our facebook page @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website: https://www.mainesirestakes.com
