June 12, 2025 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photo)
CUMBERLAND, ME – Two fields of 3-year-old filly pacers highlight the first $23,000-plus round of Maine Sire Stakes action at Cumberland Raceway on Saturday (June 14), which marks the start of the 18-week season of New England’s premier harness racing showcase.
With up to ten legs for each division throughout the summer and autumn months, the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes has been promoting and providing a venue for Pine Tree State Standardbreds since the legislative establishment of the program in 1972.
While the series has evolved over the last fifty years…so has the speed and durability of the Maine-bred harness horse. While it is not uncommon to see horses by Maine sires competing throughout North America, New England drivers and trainers are also making a name for themselves on the National stage.
The first division shows Lysiun (Ron Cushing) as the 8-5 early morning line favorite based upon a swift 1:55.2 maiden-breaking romp at Plainridge a few weeks ago. The sophomore daughter of Dude’s The Man is trained by Heidi Cushing, owned by her driver and was bred in Maine by Lynne-Marie Plouffe.
The most seasoned lass of the bunch is Leanne Marie (5-2, Mike Cushing) who crossed the wire first in last season’s $75,821 Maine Sire Stakes final but was placed second for interference. The daughter of Artistic Fella amassed $48,596 in 10 starts while finishing the season with a 2-3-2 summary. She is trained by Charlene ‘Sherry’ Cushing, who co-owns with Pamela Smith and Jane DiPompo.
The powerful ‘Tardif Taskforce’ annually enters the Maine Sire Stakes loaded for bear, and once again this year is no exception. They have two fillies in the first division, and another pair in the second division. Marc Tardif is the breeder of record on three of four, and owns three as well.
While some of the Tardif entrants may need a few more starts under their belts to really shine, Whisper Of Luck (2-1, McGwire Sowers) appears to be ready for action and is the favorite in the second division. The daughter of Artistic Fella earned $38,203 last season and is poised to pick right up where she left off.
From pylon position Audry (3-1, Steve Wilson) is looking for her first victory for trainer Charlene Cushing. The daughter of Deuce Seelster earned $46,063 last year, despite never winning a heat.
In addition, the tough Dude’s The Man filly Glorilla (3-1, Ron Cushing) has had plenty of tighteners leading up to this event, and will be a threat from the middle of the pack.
Looking ahead, Sunday’s (June 15) Bangor program has three $11,000-plus divisions for 3-year-old trotters. Two of which are raced before the regular card at 11:30 am, and the third in race three on the regular card with a first post of 12:10 pm.
For more information about the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes, follow our facebook page @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their new website: https://www.mainesirestakes.com
