October 10, 2026, by Chris Tully, for Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photo)

FRYEBURG, ME – The final leg of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old trotters went postward at the famous Fryeburg Fair on Friday (October 9) with two $16,000-plus divisions of the high stepping action. 

The only $17,711 pari-mutuel race for sophomore trotters was captured by divisional star Hayden who protected her position at the top of her class with another wire-to-wire romp with trainer-driver Gary Hall in the sulky.

Scoring from the outermost post seven the daughter of Cantab Fashion made every call a winning one to secure the victory by 3-3/4 lengths in 2:03.1.  A winner of ten races this season she has earned $131,596 lifetime for owner-breeder Stephen Hall.

Hayden returned $3.00 as the 1-2 favorite.  Roseapple Ave (Wally Watson) finished second; I Think I Can (John Nason) was third.

In an early, $16,783 non-wagering event for 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters, it was Gus’s Workout who led every step of the way to score in 2:01.2.

Driven by Heath Campbell for trainer Valerie Grondin and owner-breeder Lynn-Marie Plouffe, the son of Whataworkout grabbed his fifth win of the season, increasing his career total to $123,823.

Trottinfortreasure (Ron Cushing) finished second; Wilder N Idy (Mark Athearn) was third.

The series concludes with the $320,000-plus Sophomore Finals, which take place at Bangor Raceway on the following Saturday (Oct. 17).

For more information about the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes, follow them on Facebook @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website:  MaineSireStakes.com