August 24, 2024 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes (Stephane Gray photo)
WINDSOR, ME – Two $19,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old male pacers jump start the Windsor Fair program on Sunday (August 25) with the top two point earners pitted against one another in the opener.
The first $19,691 division kicks off the afternoon card at 12:45 pm with an early non-wagering event. Two Fold Cold (PP 4, Kevin Switzer Jr.) is undefeated this year in six seasonal starts and stands atop the standings with an impeccable 250 points. Hailing from the powerful Tardif stable, the son of Deuce Seelster is also the fastest of the bunch, as he paced to an effortless 1:55.2 score at Bangor last month.
Stable mate Wes’s Challenge (PP1, Walter Case Jr.) is hot on his heals with 237 points, and has 3 wins and 4 seconds in 10 outings. Both colts have earned in excess of $40,000 so far this year. Tardif also sends out Ella V Fella (PP2, Andy Harrington) who won an opening round in this glamour boys division.
In the other $19,916 division, which has been carded as race two on the 1:00 pm post time program, the Marc Tardif-trained Arts Flight leads the pack with Andy Harrington at the controls. Scoring from post two, and installed as the 5-2 early morning line favorite, the son of Artistic Fella has three wins on the season.
The 7-2 second choice is Justcallmebuck (PP 3, Heath Campbell) who also has three wins and is third in the point standings. The grey son of Deuce Seelster is trained by Gary Hall for his wife Kristina Hall. The third choice at 9-2 is Whats For Suppaah (PP 6, Aaron Hall) who is looking for his first score of the year.
The Maine Sire Stakes continues at the Windsor Fair with the 3-year-old filly pacers on Monday (August 26), which is followed by all the 2-year-old colt pacers Tuesday (August 27).
For more information about the Maine Sire Stakes, follow our facebook page @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website: https://www.mainesirestakes.com
