August 13, 2024 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Holli Niles photos)

SKOWHEGAN, ME – The Pine Tree State’s 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers opened up the Maine Sire Stakes at the Skowhegan State Fair on Monday (Aug. 12) with trainer Marc Tardif sweeping both $16,000-plus divisions of freshmen sidesteppers.

Held at 12:30 pm, before the regular card, the Tardif Taskforce came to Skowhegan loaded for bear as their stable entered a total of seven horses in the pair of non-wagering events.

The undefeated colt Massive Speed racked up win number five by taking the first $16,161 division in a wire-to-wire romp.  Stopping the timer in 2:04.2, the son of Dude’s The Man has enjoyed a flawless season thus far for owner Leighton Property and trainer Marc Tardif. 

Scoring from the outermost post six by 1-1/4 lengths while sprinting home in 28.4, he was driven by Walter Case Jr. and now has $32,334 in seasonal earnings.  He was bred by Laurie Harding.

The Tardif’s Just Afternight (Kevin Switzer Jr.) finished second; Gracies Tough Guy (Dave Ingraham) was third.

Dawn Two Dark had two previous second place finishes when he went behind the gate in the $16,162 second division of the Maine Sire Stakes, and emerged a ‘maiden no more.’

Driver Andy Harrington came from off the pace in a first-over move to race uncovered through the final circuit.  Gaining ground with every stride Dawn Two Dark was able to catch the pacesetter This Dudes Perfect (Heath Campbell) and nip him at the wire in 2:03.3, a new lifetime mark.  

Owned and trained by Mark Tardif, the son of Deuce Seelster’s 28.3 final quarter was enough to get up in the final strides and prevail by a quarter length.  Bred by Gary and Kristina Hall, the colt has now earned $15,110 in just three starts.

Marc Tardiff’s Ella V Dude (Switzer) finished third.

Moving ahead with the sophomore pacers on Tuesday (Aug. 13), representatives of the Maine Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association Board of Directors, in agreement with the Maine State Harness Racing Commission, have authorized a $3,500 base purse increase for all divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes.  This raises each event’s purse structure to $18,500, plus starting fees.

The Maine Sire Stakes continues throughout the week at the Skowhegan State Fair featuring two divisions of 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings on Tuesday (Aug. 13) under the lights with a 6:30 pm early race and the 7:00 pm opener.  Wednesday (Aug. 14) hosts the 3-year-old pacing fillies.  The Maine-bred action continues into the weekend at the Skowhegan State Fair August 16 and 17.

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