September 28, 2025, by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Maine’s $340,000-plus Freshmen Finals were contested on Saturday (Sept. 27) and provided fans with the most lucrative slate of harness races to be held at the Cumberland Fair this year.

Under sunny skies the grandstand was packed with fans eager to witness the next generation of Standardbred stars that are born and bred in the Pine Tree State.  The action did not disappoint as the unbeaten freshmen phenom Real Horrorshow led every step of the way to capture his $85,947 Maine Sire Stakes 2-year-old colt and gelding pace final in 2:00.

Driven by Kevin Switzer Jr. for trainer Kevin Switzer Sr. and owners KDK Standardbreds, Kathleen Mofield and Anthony Sivik Jr., the son of Dude’s The Man never had an anxious moment as he prevailed by 4-1/2 open lengths.

Bred in Maine by Luke and Patricia Varnum, Real Horrorshow paid $2.40 to win as the heavy favorite, taking his ninth consecutive win of the season, and retaining his unblemished record and boosting his earnings to $100,377.

Mia’s Boy (Mark Athearn) finished second; Daytoremember (Heath Campbell) was third.

Another unbeaten star, Snowonthepines, entered the $85,947 pacing filly final with her eight-race win streak on the line, and did not disappoint.

Switzer Jr. sent the daughter of Dude’s The Man out to an early lead and never looked back as the rest of the tracked along obediently behind the divisional standout. However, down the stretch the pocket sitting Just Delightful (Ron Cushing) took her shot at the pacesetter, but Snowonthepines maintained a half-length advantage at the wire, tripping the timer in 2:02.

Trained by Marc Tardif for owner/breeder Leighton Property, the 1/9 favorite paid $2.20 to win the ninth straight start of her illustrious season, with $100,288 earned.

Ekorus (Nick Graffam) finished third.

Switching over to the diagonally gaited set, Pembroke Lady scored a front-end victory in her $85,908 split for frosh trotting fillies.

Driven by Heath Campbell for trainer Valerie Grondin, the daughter of Pembroke Slugger held the pocket briefly after the start as Hayden (Gary Hall) assumed the point. Down the backstretch the first time Campbell brushed to the lead to gain control the tempo with the 3/5 favorite.

Past the half Pembroke Lady made every call a winning one as the field stacked up in the outer flow in an attempt to reel in the leader and avoid early breakers.  Our Last Quote (Steve Wilson) challenged first over at the third station but failed to gain any significant ground on the pacesetter.

Down the stretch the pocket sitting Hayden tipped out and had one last surge and finished within a half-length of the divisional leader Pembroke Lady in 2:06, returning $3.20.

Owned by Brenda Varney and bred by the late Bill Varney, it was the filly’s eighth win of the season, increasing her bankroll to $100,107.

Our Last Quote hung on for third.

In the $85,591 division for freshmen trotting colts and geldings, it was the heavy favorite Wilder N Idy who misbehaved behind the starting gate but managed to pull himself together and keep his mind on business through the remaining stations and rolled to a 5-3/4 length romp in 2:04.2.

Driven by Mark Athearn for trainer Gretchen Athearn, the son of To The Hilt paid $2.20.  Wilder N Idy is owned by Patrick Leavitt and increased his seasonal kitty to $119,584.  Bred by the late Mike Andrew, he completed his Maine Sire Stakes season with eight wins in nine starts.

Driver Kevin Switzer Jr. led all drivers on the program, scoring four times, including two sire stakes finals.

The final racing date of the Cumberland Fair meet is Sunday (Sept. 28).

After the fair, the track’s 18-day Winter Festival begins November 2 and then follows a two-day Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the month of November.  The month of December picks up Fridays for 3-day weekends of racing through December 21.  Our annual Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 20.

For additional information, visit our website at firsttrackscumberland.com, or find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

September 27, 2025, by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Maine’s sophomore trotters rolled through their penultimate leg of Pine Tree State-bred action on Friday (Sept 26) at the Cumberland Fair, while the track gears up for Saturday’s (Sept. 27) $340,000-plus Freshmen Finals.

In the first $17,476 division for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings heavy favorite Liberty’s Wildcard was placed in the pocket by leading reinsmen Kevin Switzer Jr., allowing freshman champ Whatawonder roll on to take command by Ken Watson.

As the son of Whataworkout took the field through opening panels of :31.1 and 1:03.2 the favorite held a loose pocket until the 1:32.2 third station where Switzer let his trotter loose and brushed past the pacesetter to score by 2-1/4 lengths in 2:04.3.

Trained by Marc Tardif for owner Leighton Property, the son of Noble Venture has won his last four starts and 10 of 11 this year.  He was bred by Jerry Stratton Jr. and paid $2.40 as the 1/5 favorite.

Enchanted Prince (Andy Harrington) finished third.

In the second $17,722 division of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old trotting fillies it was the divisional star Barbella that cruised to any easy victory in 2:05.  Making every call a winning one, the daughter of Whataworkout had nary an anxious moment as catch driver Kevin Switzer Jr. posted a three length score. 

Trained by Ken Anderson for owner Bob Kakian, it was the sixth win in a row for the accomplished distaff.  She was bred by the late Mike Andrew and paid $2.80 to win.

Little Shot (Ivan Davies) finished second; Twisted Fate (Mike Cushing) was third.

Four $85,000-plus Finals of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old trotters and pacers will go postward on the Saturday (Sept. 27) afternoon card at 12 noon at the Cumberland Fairgrounds.

In the first $85,591 division for freshmen trotting colts and geldings, the 9-5 favorite Wilder N Idy has seven wins on the season for trainer Gretchen Athearn.

In the $85,908 split for frosh trotting fillies, the 9-5 favorite Pembroke Lady brings her seven victories to the table for trainer Valerie Grondin.

For the $85,947 pacing filly final, trainer Marc Tardif sends the undefeated Snowonthepines into the full eight-horse field as the 8-5 favorite.

Finally, the Real Horrorshow leads the full field in the $85,947 male pacers division, putting his unblemished eight-race win streak on the line for trainer Kevin Switzer Sr.

Another full card is scheduled for the final racing date of Sunday (Sept. 28). 

Exotic wagers start with Cumberland’s Pick 5 in the third race, and continues with our Pick 4 and Pick 3 toward the tail end of the program, and concludes with our High-Five Pentafecta in the final race—all with low 16% takeouts.

First Tracks will also host the popular Cumberland Derby where fans can enter to win $500 in total cash prizes based on their picks and the official order of finish in the designated race.

After the fair, the track’s 18-day Winter Festival begins November 2 and then follows a two-day Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the month of November.  The month of December picks up Fridays for 3-day weekends of racing through December 21.  Our annual Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 20.

For additional information, visit our website at firsttrackscumberland.com, or find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

September 26, 2025, by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Maine’s star sophomore pacer Massive Speed captured his eleventh consecutive victory in his $17,212 division of the Maine Sire Stakes on Thursday (Sept 25) at the Cumberland Fair, maintaining his unblemished seasonal record in the penultimate leg.

Driver Aaron Hall put the son of Dude’s The Man right on the engine and splashed through all the stations with no threats near or far.  The judges provided for a three second allowance due to the off-going, yet the local phenom stopped the clock in 2:01.2, establishing the swiftest race of the day.

Trained by Marc Tardif for owner Leighton Property it was his 21^st lifetime victory and brought his career earnings to $213,981.  Winning by a measured length and three-quarters, he paid $2.20 as the heavy favorite.  Massive Speed was bred in Maine by Laurie Harding.

Dawn Two Dark (Andy Harrington) finished second; Keenan Star (Heath Campbell) was third.

In the other $17,212 division it was all This Dudes Perfect and driver Heath who cruised to a comfortable 1-1/4 length wire-to-wire score in 2:03.2.

Trained by Valerie Grondin and owners Lynn-Marie Plouffe (breeder) and Brenda Varney the son of Dude’s The Man picked up his second win in his last three starts.  Returning $7.20, he heads to Fryeburg with $28,299 in his seasonal kitty.

Ridgecrest Dan (John Nason) finished second; Cheatin Fate (Andy Harrington) was third.

Driver Heath Campbell led all drivers on the nine race card, visiting the Blue Seal winners circle on five occasions, including a natural grand slam in races two through five.

Racing resumes at 12 noon at the Cumberland Fairgrounds on Friday (Sept. 26) with full cards scheduled for the remaining racing dates through Sunday (Sept. 28). 

Exotic wagers start with Cumberland’s Pick 5 in the third race, and continues with our Pick 4 and Pick 3 toward the tail end of the program, and concludes with our High-Five Pentafecta in the final race—all with low 16% takeouts.

Always a highlight of the ‘Always in September’ Fair, the Maine Sire Stakes continue at Cumberland with the 3-year-old trotters on Friday (Sept. 26). 

Once again, Cumberland will host the $300,000 Est. Maine Sire Stakes 2-year-old finals on Saturday, September 27, with two freshmen pacers, Real Horrorshow and Snowonthepines, putting their unblemished records on the line in their respective showdowns.

First Tracks will also host the popular Cumberland Derby where fans can enter to win $500 in total cash prizes based on their picks and the official order of finish in the designated race.

After the fair, the track’s 18-day Winter Festival begins November 2 and then follows a two-day Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the month of November.  The month of December picks up Fridays for 3-day weekends of racing through December 21.  Our annual Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 20.

For additional information, visit our website at firsttrackscumberland.com, or find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

September 25, 2025, by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – The two top sophomore pacing fillies displayed their divisional dominance by each taking a $17,201 split of the Maine Sire Stakes on Wednesday (Sept 24) at the Cumberland Fair.

In the opener, driver Nick Graffam was content to allow Chasing Dudes to ease into the four hole while Whisper Of Luck (Andy Harrington) blasted out for the lead and did all the heavy lifting on the front end. 

The pacesetter put up fractions of :29.4 and 1:00.1 to the half while opening five lengths on the rest of the field.  Down the backside, and with plenty of ground to recover, the 1/5 favorite Chasing Dudes moved off the pegs first over to challenge for the lead.

Past the 1:29.1 third station, and gaining ground with every stride, the daughter of Dude’s The Man had her work cut out for her but managed to catch Whisper Of Luck by mid-stretch.  The pair battled down to the wire with Chasing Dudes prevailing by three parts of a length in 1:59.1.

Trained by Mike Graffam who co-owns with breeder Bob Marston, it was the tenth career victory and fourth straight for the earner of $172,221 lifetime.  She paid $2.40 and heads to the sophomore finals at Bangor on Oct. 11 as the season’s second leading point winner in the division.

Lysiun (Ron Cushing) finished third.

Leanne Marie, who sits atop that same leaderboard, also displayed her group governance as driver Mike Cushing sent her on a pillar-to-post tour of the Cumberland facility, tripping the timer in a pedestrian 2:01.1.

Trained by Charlene ‘Sherry’ Cushing who co-owns and shares breeder credit with partners Pamela Smith and Jane DiPompo, the daughter of Artistic Fella now has nine lifetime wins and grabbed her third in a row, returning $2.60.

Based upon how the filly draws, she will likely be the favorite for the upcoming final on Oct. 11.

Glorilla (Aaron Hall) finished second; Ruff Dude’s Jena (Dave Ingraham) finished third.

Driver Kevin Switzer Jr. led all drivers on the afternoon program with five wins.

‘Double-Digit’ Dave Ingraham lived up to his Gabe Prewitt-bestowed moniker by scoring with local star Airspinder in the $5,200 conditioned pace and paying a whopping $105.60.  Owned and trained by David Sawyer, the 9-year-old son of No Spin Zone went from next to last to first to earn his 36^th lifetime victory.

Racing resumes at 1 pm at the Cumberland Fairgrounds on Thursday (Sept. 25) with full cards scheduled for the remaining racing dates through Sunday (Sept. 28). 

Post time drops backs to 12:00 noon for the remaining weekend dates of Friday through Sunday (Sept. 26-28).

Exotic wagers start with Cumberland’s Pick 5 in the third race, and continues with our Pick 4 and Pick 3 toward the tail end of the program, and concludes with our High-Five Pentafecta in the final race—all with low 16% takeouts.

Always a highlight of the ‘Always in September’ Fair, the Maine Sire Stakes continue at Cumberland with the 3-year-old male pacers on Thursday (Sept. 25), with the 3-year-old trotters completing the sophomore divisions on Friday (Sept. 26). 

Once again, Cumberland will host the $300,000 Est. Maine Sire Stakes 2-year-old finals on Saturday, September 27, with two freshmen pacers, Real Horrorshow and Snowonthepines, putting their unblemished records on the line in their respective showdowns.

First Tracks will also host the popular Cumberland Derby where fans can enter to win $500 in total cash prizes based on their picks and the official order of finish in the designated race.

After the fair, the track’s 18-day Winter Festival begins November 2 and then follows a two-day Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the month of November.  The month of December picks up Fridays for 3-day weekends of racing through December 21.  Our annual Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 20.

For additional information, visit our website at firsttrackscumberland.com, or find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

September 19, 2025, by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

FARMINGTON, ME – The two divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing fillies closed out the Farmington Fair on ‘Jug Day’ Thursday (Sept. 18), with the undefeated filly phenom Snowonthepines wrapping up her successful tour of the Pine Tree State summer circuit.

Driver Kevin Switzer Jr. was back in the sulky for the swift daughter of Dude’s The Man as the pair took a front end tour of the agricultural oval in grand style.  Posting opening panels of :29.2 and :58.4 to the half with Just Delightful (Ron Cushing) parked and pressing the issue.

As the field rolled down the backstretch for the final time into a 1:29.4 third panel, the aggressor Just Delightful had lost some of her steam leaving Snowonthepines all alone on the front end.

Around the final turn and down the stretch the divisional darling showed why she will be the horse to beat in next week’s Freshmen Finals as she drew off by 2-1/2 lengths for a 1:59.2 clocking, pushing her seasonal earnings to $57,315.

Trained by Marc Tardif for owner/breeder Leighton Property, the $16,948 race was held as the opener on the wagering card.  Snowonthepines paid $2.80 for the eighth victory of her career.  From the Bettor’s Delight mare Snow Cone A, she is a half-sister to another top performer Two Fold Cold p,4,1:50f—‘25 ($271,826).

Perfectly Lovely (Aaron Hall) finished second; Just Delightful hung on for third.

In the second $17,124 division for frosh fillies it was Ekorus who put the field away with a strong performance.

Leaving from post four the daughter of Cheyenne Hollywood was sent out to the lead by Andy Harrington and never looked back.  Winning easily by three lengths in 2:03.3 the full sister to star distaff Wolverina p,4,1:52 ($367,328) secured her third win of the season.

Trained and bred by Mike Graffam who co-owns with William Arnold and Martha Holden, she returned $4.00.

Dudelookslikeafily (Aaron Hall) finished second; McKenna Jenna (Kevin Switzer Jr.) was third.

The Maine Sire Stakes transitions over to the Cumberland Fair next week, with the 3-year-old filly pacers on Wednesday (Sept. 24) and then the 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers on Thursday (Sept. 25).  The sophomore trotters race on Friday (Sept. 26) followed by the rich Freshmen Finals on Saturday (Sept. 27).

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

September 18, 2025, by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

FARMINGTON, ME – Five $17,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2- and 3-year old trotters were contested on Wednesday (Sept. 17), with many of the usual suspects reminding fans that they are at, or near, the top of their class.

In the $17,476 Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings, which was the only division that was held on the wagering card, it was Liberty’s Wildcard that showed why he is the one to watch in next month’s rich Maine Sires Stakes final.

Sitting patiently in the pocket until the half, driver Kevin Switzer Jr. let the son of Noble Venture roll first over and cruise home the rest of the way in 2:04.1.

Trained by Marc Tardif for owner Leighton Property, it was Liberty’s Wildcard ninth win in ten seasonal starts and brought him to $109,231 in lifetime earnings.  He paid $3.20 to win and was bred by Jerry Stratton Jr.

Whatawonder (Ken Watson) finished second; Just Foolin (Heath Campbell) was third.

In the $16,973 sophomore filly trot Barbella maintained her relative dominance taking her fifth straight score for driver Bruce Ranger and trainer Ken Anderson.  The daughter of Whataworkout won by 1-3/4 lengths in 2:05.1. 

Owned by Robert Zakian, she was bred by the late Mike Andrew.  Little Shot (Ivan Davies) finished second; Race Me Bombshell (William Childs) was third in the non-wagering event.

Four additional divisions of Pine Tree State-bred trotters were held before the regular card at Farmington, with the winners as follows:

$16,754 Two-year-old filly Trot, Pembroke Lady, 2:04.4, Heath Campbell, Valerie Grondin;

$16,754 Two-year-old filly Trot, Our Last Quote, 2:10.1, Steve Wilson, Charlene Cushing;

$16,891 Two-year-old colt and gelding Trot, Wilder N Idy, Mark Athearn, Gretchen Athearn;

$16,974 Three-year-old filly Trot, Twisted Fate, Mike Cushing trained and drove.

The Maine Sire Stakes concludes with the 2-year-old filly pacers on ‘Jug Day’ Thursday (Sept. 18), and then transitions over to the Cumberland Fair next week.

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

September 17, 2025, by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

FARMINGTON, ME – Massive Speed, the Maine-bred unbeaten sophomore pacer, added another notch to his belt at the Farmington Fair on Tuesday (Sept. 16) in one of the two $17,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes. 

In the first $17,212 non-wagering division of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings driver Aaron Hall put his star sidestepper right out on the front end where they set comfortable fractions of :30.1, :59.4 to the opening half.

Following a miscue at the start Mike Stevenson continued to rally on the outside with Gordon Corey’s I’m Not Maverick as Cheatin Fate (Andy Harrington) sat in the pocket while the field approached the 1:29.3 third panel.

With no real challengers in sight, and a few taps on the saddle pad to keep his attention, Aaron Hall rolled Massive Speed down the lane with authority to score by four lengths in 1:58.

Trained by Marc Tardif and owned by Leighton Property, it was Massive Speed’s tenth consecutive victory and 20th lifetime win.  His seasonal total now reads $70,845, with his lifetime earnings now at $205,375.  He was bred in Maine by Laurie Harding.

Cheatin Fate finished second; This Dudes Perfect (Heath Campbell) was third.

In the second $17,212 division Andy Harrington went from gate to wire with Dawn Two Dark, holding off a late-closing Gracies Tough Guy (5-1, Dave Ingraham) to prevail by a half-length in 1:58.1.

Trainer Marc Tardif swept both divisions of the sophomore pacers, and also owns Dawn Two Dark who was bred in Maine by Gary and Kristina Hall.  Winning for the fourth time this season, he paid $4.40 and upped his seasonal total to $45,978.

Ridgecrest Dan (2-1 John Nason) finished third.

The Maine Sire Stakes continues at the Farmington Fair with all the 2- and 3-year-old trotters on Wednesday (Sept. 17) and concludes with the 2-year-old filly pacers on ‘Jug Day’ Thursday (Sept. 18).

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

September 16, 2025, by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

FARMINGTON, ME – It’s still six weeks until Halloween, but when the 184^th Farmington Fair opened on Monday (Sept. 15) fans were treated to a Real Horrorshow…Maine’s freshmen pacing sensation won his eighth consecutive stakes race.

In the first $17,124 division of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings driver Kevin Switzer Jr. sent his dad’s son of Dude’s The Man right to the top from post six.  From that point it was all over but the shouting as the young phenom made every call a winning one, setting early fractions of :30.4 and 1:01.3 to the half.

Perhaps Real Horrowshow was allowing his prey to stalk him in the early going, because once Switzer asked for a little more, he got a lot more.  Hitting the third panel in 1:31.3 and leaving the field in his dusty wake by ten open lengths, the divisional star cruised home an easy winner in 2:01.4.

Trained by Kevin Switzer Sr., and owned by KDK Standardbreds, Kathleen Mofield and Anthony Sivik Jr., Real Horrowshow has never seen the back of a helmet.  Prevailing by a nine lengths, and increasing his bankroll to $57,044, he was bred in Maine by Luke and Patricia Varnum. 

Silence Of Darkness (Mike Stevenson) finished second; Deuces Red (Heath Campbell) was third in the non-wagering event.

In the second $16,948 division of the Maine Sire Stakes, which was held on the betting program at Farmington, it was the favorite Daytoremember who finally got a day to shine having drawn into a different division than that of his undefeated peer.

Wowzah Clousah (7-1, Mike Cushing) led the field away from the wings and through the first turn from post two, however driver Heath Campbell had no intention of getting a pocket trip and sent the son of Dude’s The Man out to take command by the time the field hit the :29.1 opening station.

Campbell relaxed his charge on the point and rolled comfortably into a softer 1:00.2 mid-way marker, with the rest of the field following along in straight alignment.  Just past the half driver Andy Harrington sent Rebel’s Revenge first over to challenge the pocket-sitting Wowzah Clousah as the pack rolled down the backstretch for the final time.

The pacesetter increased his tempo and hit the third stanza in 1:30.1, while the rest of the aggressors tried valiantly to maintain the pace.  However, it was all Daytoremember who drew off by 3-1/2 lengths to score in a lifetime best 2:00.

Owned, trained and bred by Valerie Grondin, the son of Dude’s The Man grabbed his second victory of the season, which compliments his ultra-consistent six second place finishes.  He paid $3.40 for the win and increased his bankroll to $37,086.

Wowzah Clousah finished second; Rebel’s Revenge was third.

The Maine Sire Stakes continues at the Farmington Fair with the 3-year-old colt pacers on Tuesday (Sept. 16) and then all the 2- and 3-year-old trotters on Wednesday (Sept. 17).

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

September 11, 2025, by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Hollianne Niles photos)

BANGOR, ME – A pair of $17,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year old pacing fillies closed out the week of harness action at Bangor Raceway Sunday (Sept. 7), with the two top distaffs in the division reigning supreme.

In the first $17,201 division Ron Cushing sent his own Lysiun (5-2) out to an early lead, with Whisper Of Luck (9-2, Kevin Switzer Jr.) dropping into the pocket as the field dashed to a :29.1 opening panel.

With no movement into the outer flow past the :59.4 midway point, the 2/5 favorite Chasing Dudes (Nick Graffam) tipped to the outside past the five-eighths marker from third and challenged for the lead.  Then, the pacesetting Lysiun was rough gaited heading into the 1:29.3 third station and ultimately went off stride.

As Chasing Dudes became the new leader around the final turn, Whisper Of Luck gave chase on the outside as the pair matched strides heading into the home stretch and down the lane.

Prevailing by a measured length, Chasing Dudes hit the wire first in 1:58.4, a new lifetime best.

Trained by Mike Graffam who co-owns with breeder Bob Marston, the daughter of Dude’s The Man picked up her fifth win of the season (third in a row) and ninth overall.  She has now earned $50,331 on the season returning $2.80, and maintained her place in second on the divisional leaderboard.

Lysiun hung on for third.

In the second $17,201 Maine Sire Stakes for sophomore distaffs it was divisional leader Leanne Marie (2/5, Mike Cushing) that parlayed a perfect two-hole trip into a neck victory over Glorilla (3-1, Aaron Hall) in 1:59.3.

Trained by Charlene Cushing who also bred with co-owners with Pamela Smith and Jane DiPompo, the daughter of Artistic Fella grabbed her sixth win of the season and second in a row.

Leanne Marie paid $2.80 while taking a new time badge and now has $56,788 earned this season, while going over $100,000 in lifetime earnings.

Dudes Pretty Chick (4-1, Heath Campbell) finished third.

The Maine Sire Stakes transitions to Farmington for a week of agricultural fair racing, starting with the 2-year-old colt pacers on Monday (Sept. 15), followed by the 3-year-old colt pacers on Tuesday (Sept. 16) and then all the 2- and 3-year-old trotters on Wednesday (Sept. 17).

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

September 8, 2025, by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Hollianne Niles photos)

BANGOR, ME – Four $17,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2- and 3-year old trotters arrived at historic Bass Park at Bangor Raceway Sunday (Sept. 7), with most showing continued success by divisional leaders, and another with a mild upset.

In the $16,891 Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings, which was the only division that was held before the wagering card, the Queen City faithful witnessed the formerly unbeaten freshman, Wilder N Idy, return to his winning ways.

Having made an uncharacteristic miscue last week that snapped his five race winning streak, driver Mark Athearn kept the son of To The Hilt on point and rolled through the circuits with the greatest of ease.  Gliding home in 2:07.2, it was his sixth lifetime victory, winning by 4-1/2 lengths.  Trained by Gretchen Athearn for owner Pat Leavitt, he was bred by the late Mike Andrew.

Gus’s Workout (Heath Campbell) finished second; High Fashion Hank (Nick Graffam) was third.

In the $17,476 split for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings it was another divisional rivalry between Liberty’s Wildcard and last year’s freshmen champ Whatawonder.

Driver Ken Watson sent Whatawonder out to an early lead from his pylon-protecting position, and sat chilly with Liberty’s Wildcard (Kevin Switzer Jr.) right on his helmet.  Through the wet surface they splashed with Swizter tipping the 1/5 favorite out at the half to challenge the pacesetter.  Liberty’s Wildcard was in front but still parked by the third panel, with the pair matching strides around the turn and down the lane.

With a final surge of trot the favored son of Noble Venture prevailed by a measured length in 2:05.3.

Trained by Marc Tardif for owner Leighton Property, it was Liberty’s Wildcard eighth win in nine seasonal starts and brought him over $100,000 in lifetime earnings.  He paid $2.40 to win and was bred by Jerry Stratton Jr.

Just Foolin (Heath Campbell) finished third.

In the $17,974 sophomore filly trot Barbella is still the belle of the ball as has grabbed her fourth straight score for driver Bruce Ranger and trainer Ken Anderson.  The daughter of Whataworkout won by 4-3/4 lengths in 2:04.4. 

Owned by Robert Zakian, she was bred by the late Mike Andrew and returned $2.80 to her backers. Race Me Bombshell (Drew Campbell) finished second; Twisted Fate (Mike Cushing) was third.

Frosh fillies were packed into a single $17,508 Maine Sire Stakes division with eight on the gate.

When the wings folded Gary Hall left alertly with Heyden and was on top by six at the half in 1:01.3 off an opening panel in :30 seconds flat.  Perhaps the speed relative to the off-going was too much for her as she went off stride while in the final turn and already collared by 1/5 favorite Pembroke Lady (Heath Campbell).  However, just when the public’s choice appeared to be home free, Our Last Quote (Steve Wilson) made a last-ditch effort to reel in Pembroke Lady.

The daughter of Cantab Fashion prevailed by three parts of a length, showing that last week’s maiden-breaking upset was no fluke.

Trained by Charlene Cushing for owners/breeders R. DiPompo Jr. and Michael Graham, it was Our Last Quote’s second win in six seasonal starts.  She paid $12.40 to win.

Coronation Moon (Ivan Davies) was third.

The Maine Sire Stakes concludes at Bangor with the 3-year-old pacing fillies on Wednesday (Sept. 10).  The series then transitions back to Farmington for a week of agricultural fair racing, starting with the 2-year-old colt pacers on Monday (Sept. 15).

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