June 23, 2025 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Hollianne Niles photos)

BANGOR, ME – Week two of the Maine Sire Stakes saw the return of three $11,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old trotters at Bangor Raceway on Sunday (June 23), with a new face joining a pair of last week’s victors that enjoyed repeat performances.

In the first $11,477 division of 3-year-old trotting fillies, Bill Childs rushed his own Race Me Bombshell (6-1) out to an early lead with 1-2 favorite Little Shot (Ivan Davies) giving chase and ultimately taking command just past the :32 opening quarter.

Some six lengths back at the 1:03.2 half, Walter Case Jr. urged Barbella (9-5) to the outside as they took their shot at the leaders.  The headstrong filly passed both Race Me Bombshell and Little Shot as they approached the 1:34.2 third panel, and was poised to advance further around the final turn.

However, with Little Shot forced into the pocket, Davies opted to be back out and rolling and the three fillies fanned out a across the track for the final stretch drive.   Barbella, a daughter of Whataworkout, prevailed by a measured length in 2:05.1, which was a new lifetime mark.

Trained by Ken Anderson for owner Robert Zakian, it was Barbella’s second lifetime victory, and first of the season.  Bred by the late New England Hall of Famer Mike Andrew, she paid $5.60 to win.

Little Shot finished second; Race Me Bombshell was third.

Despite an early miscue, and an interference break approaching the half, Pandemic Princess (1-1, Heath Campbell) took the $11,701 second division of the Maine Sires Stakes for 3-year-old trotting fillies.

Lady Lake Marty (4/5, Ken Watson) blasted out for an early lead and pulled the field through a :31 opener, only to jump off stride around the three-eighths pole and scatter her followers.  Belabelle (38-1, Eric Bickmore) inherited the lead through the 1:03.2 half, and continued on point past a swifter 1:33.3 third panel.   

Around the final bend Pandemic Princess tipped to the outside and a dash for the wire ensued.  Belabelle hung on gamely but Pandemic Princess had the momentum and grabbed the win by half a length in 2:04.1, a new lifetime best.

Trained by Valerie Grondin for owner-breeder Lynne-Marie Plouffe, the daughter of Whataworkout picked up her second consecutive victory, and fifth of her career.  Her lifetime earnings are now $42,644 and she paid $4.20 for the win.

Twisted Fate (6-1, Mike Cushing) finished third.

For the second week in a row, it was another easy tour of historic Bass Park for Liberty’s Wildcard, who lowered his mark in the effort.

In the lone $11,752 Maine Sire Stakes division for 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters, Walter Case Jr. drove the son of Noble Venture to an unabated four length score in 2:04.2. 

Trained by Marc Tardif for owner Leighton Property, Liberty’s Wildcard now has $57,296 in lifetime earnings.  He paid $2.20, and was bred by Jerry Stratton Jr.

Katahdin Victor (5-1, Wally Watson) went on an extended break while crossing the finish line second, however, was placed back to fourth by the judges.  Just Foolin (9-1, Heath Campbell) finished third and was placed second; Enchanted Prince (11-1, Kim Ireland) was fourth, placed third.

Looking ahead, Wednesday’s (June 25) Bangor program has two $11,900-plus Maine Sire Stakes divisions for 3-year-old pacing fillies, slated as races three and six on the regular card with a first post of 3:00 pm. 

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