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
