October 3, 2024 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes (Joe Shaw photos)
FRYEBURG, ME – When the famous Fryeburg Fair welcomed Maine’s 3-year-old pacing fillies on Wednesday (October 2), the fans were treated to another dynamic performance by divisional standout Gowestyounggrace, who soared to her tenth consecutive victory.
Expertly handled this season by veteran reinsman Dave Ingraham, the daughter of Western Maverick-Gracie Gracie left from post three and made every call a winning one. Posting moderate fractions of :30, 1:01 and 1:31, the top filly coasted home in 1:59.2, winning by 2-3/4 lengths.
Owner-trainer-breeder Fred Ward Jr., along with his wife Sharon, have managed the filly with care. With their eyes focused ahead, toward the lucrative sophomore finals at Bangor on Oct. 12, getting to this point has also been prosperous. The homebred distaff has earned $160,574 with 16 lifetime wins.
While she will assuredly be the heavy betting favorite in her divisional final, this recent victory in the $19,696 Maine Sire Stake event was a non-wagering event.
Pembroke Red (Heath Campbell) finished second; My Sweet Revenge (Kevin Switzer Jr.) was third.
The second equally-prized division witnessed, Emma Rozze also take a wire-to-wire tour of the iconic Fryebug oval, known by many as the ‘Delaware (Ohio) of Maine’ for its big crowds and passionate fan base.
The daughter of Artistic Fella-Pembroke Violet, led every step of the way for Heath Campbell in the bike for trainer Valerie Grondin.
Winning in 1:58.4 by 6-1/2 lengths she is owned and was bred in Maine by Valerie Grondin and now includes William Underhill as co-owner. It was the filly’s first lifetime win, giving her a sub two-minute time badge.
Ghost Of You (Switzer) finished second; Animore Sass (Harrington) was third.
The Maine Sire Stakes resumes at the Fryeburg Fair with 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings on Friday (Oct. 4), and the sophomore trotters on Saturday (Oct. 5).
Looking ahead, four divisions of the 3-year-old Maine Sire Stakes Finals will be held at the Bangor Raceway on Saturday (Oct. 12).
For more information about the Maine Sire Stakes, follow our Facebook page @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website: https://www.mainesirestakes.com
