June 30, 2025 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Hollianne Niles photos)
BANGOR, ME – The Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings was postponed a day due to heavy rain, but that didn’t slow down the Tardif Taskforce from sweeping both $12,000-plus divisions on Sunday (June 29) at Bangor Raceway.
Originally slated for Cumberland on Saturday (June 28) the Pine Tree State-bred glamour boys were still primed and ready to roll a day later at historic Bass Park, with the two divisions being held before the regular noon-time pari-mutuel program.
In the first $12,162 division Massive Speed, last season’s 2-year-old pacing star, continued his winning ways for trainer Marc Tardif and catch driver Bruce Ranger.
When the wings folded Ranger, sitting in for regular driver Walter Case Jr., let the talented son of Dude’s The Man roll right to the top, where he proceeded to make every call a winning one.
Passing the first panel in :29.2 he was on top by two, where he continued through the 1:00.1 half. By the third station Race Me Celtic (Drew Campbell) had launched a first over challenge, reaching that marker in 1:29.3.
That test turned out to be short-lived as Massive Speed switched into high gear and pulled away from his would-be spoilers to win drawing off by 3-1/2 lengths in 1:58, and equaling his lifetime best.
Owned by Leighton Property, and bred by Laurie Harding it was the gelding’s second consecutive victory.
Race Me Celtic finished second; stable mate Cheatin Fate (Kevin Switzer Jr.) was third.
In the second $12,387 division for Maine’s 3-year-old male pacers, the would-be favorite Ridgecrest Dan (John Nason) got some of that good ‘Queen City’ air while Kevin Switzer Jr. sent Dawn Two Dark to the front and never looked back.
Scoring from post two Dawn Two Dark grabbed the lead quickly with Keenan Star (Heath Campbell) protecting his pylon position in the pocket. This left the 8-5 morning line favorite Ridgecrest Dan hung out to dry and looking to take the overland route to victory.
Since these races were off the card there was no wagering, however, being listed as the second pick on the morning line didn’t stop Dawn Two Dark from racing like he was the public’s choice. With Switzer Jr. controlling the tempo, and passing the panels in :29, :58.2 and 1:28, not much changed other than the stamina of Ridgecrest Dan who stayed game through the stretch.
Down the lane This Dude’s Perfect (Drew Campbell) surged from fourth to track down the leaders, but fell short by 1-1/2 lengths to Dawn Two Dark who prevailed in a new lifetime best 1:58.
Owned and trained by Marc Tardif the son of Deuce Seelster was bred by Gary Hall and Kristina Hall.
Keenan Star finished third; Ridgecrest Dan hung on to be fourth.
Looking ahead, Wednesday’s (July 2) Bangor program hosts the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing fillies.
For more information about the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes, follow our facebook page @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website: https://www.mainesirestakes.com
