July 21, 2024 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes (Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – A single $16,171 division of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing fillies opened the card on Saturday (July 20) at Cumberland Raceway, with the Graffam’s Chasing Dudes leading the charge.

Discounted at 10-1 in lieu of previous winners, the daughter of Dude’s The Man led every call as driver Nick Graffam cruised through moderate fractions of 30.1, 1:02.4 and then a swifter 1:32.3 third panel.

Around the final turn Whisper Of Luck (Kevin Switzer Jr.-Marc Tardif) took aim at the leader and was first up and applying ample pressure.  While the pacesetter was able to gain some separation at the head of the stretch, the pursuer tracked her down and got to within a quarter length at the wire.

Chasing Dudes prevailed in 2:03.1, a new lifetime mark as well as her first career victory.  Trained and co-owned by Mike Graffam, she was bred and is also co-owned by leading conditioner Bob Marston.  The filly paid $22.60 to win.

Last week’s victor, Leanne Marie (Mike Cushing-Charlene Cushing) was third.

The Maine Sire Stakes resumes on Thursday (July 25) when the 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers return to Bangor for their annual ‘Fair’ stint.  This is immediately followed by the 3-year-old filly pacers on Friday (July 26) at Cumberland, with all the 2- and 3-year-old trotters on Saturday (July 27).

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