August 13, 2025, by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Hollianne Niles photos)
SKOWHEGAN, ME – Another round of $17,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing fillies dashed around the swift Skowhegan oval on Tuesday (Aug. 12) under the moon-lit twilight.
In the first $17,427 early, non-wagering split for sophomore distaffs the speedy Chasing Dudes was sent out to an early pylon-protecting lead into a :29.3 opening panel by Andrew Harrington. Without much fanfare Wishin For Kisses (Chris Long) sat a tight pocket trip with Thinkin About Life (Kevins Switzer Jr.) rolling along in third past an uneventful 1:01.1 half-way marker.
Heading into the 1:31.1 third station Aaron Hall tipped Glorilla from sixth and started their ascent to challenge the leaders from a six length deficit. By the head of the stretch Glorilla had assumed third place and cut her trailing gap to a length and a half.
Sprinting home and prevailing by three parts of a length, the daughter of Dude’s The Man scored in 2:01.4, a new lifetime best.
Glorilla is also trained by Aaron Hall for owner Ron Cushing. The winner of four races and $55,946 lifetime was bred by Kevin Sywyk. Chasing Dudes finished second, Thinkin Bout Life was third.
In the second $17,201, which was held on the regular program, divisional leader Leanne Marie displayed the kind of speed and agility that has elevated her to a pinnacle among her peers.
Leaving from post five the daughter of Artistic Fella wasted little time assuming command, and from that point she led comfortably through early fractions of :30 and 59.4.
Through the early parts of the mile, Whisper Of Luck (Harrington) took refuge in the garden spot, while Dudes Pretty Chick (Heath Campbell) tracked along in third.
Leanne Marie and Mike Cushing continued to set the tempo as the 3/5 favorite blew through the third panel in 1:29.1 and cruised home easily in 1:58.1, winning by 1-1/2 lengths.
Trained by Charlene Cushing who also owns and bred with Pamela Smith and Jane DiPompo, it was the filly’s fourth win of the season. A model of consistency, she has been second three times in seven seasonal outings earning $35,232 this year. She returned $3.40 for the victory.
Dudes Pretty Chick rallied for second; Whisper Of Luck finished third.
The Maine Sire Stakes continues on the fair circuit in Skowhegan with the glamour boys (3 colt pace) division on Thursday (Aug. 14), followed by all the 2- and 3-year old trotters on Friday (Aug. 15). The week concludes with the 2-year-old filly pacers on Saturday (Aug. 16).
For more information about the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes, follow our facebook page @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website: https://www.mainesirestakes.com
