August 15, 2025, by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Hollianne Niles photo)
SKOWHEGAN, ME – Undefeated Maine Sire Stakes star Massive Speed grabbed another victory in his $17,000-plus division for 3-year-old pacing colts and gelding at the Skowhegan State Fair on Thursday (Aug. 14), while also granting himself a new time badge in the process.
In the first $17,437 early, non-wagering split for sophomore pacers Maine’s winningest pacer took matters into his own hands and jetted to the lead in a snappy :29.2. From that point the regional star’s regular driver Aaron Hall had Keenan Star (Heath Campbell) close behind with Gracies Tough Guy (Dave Ingraham) racing third through the :59.1 midway marker.
Andy Harrington tipped Cheatin Fate first over as the field reached the third station in 1:29 and attempted to test the pacesetter around the final turn. That challenge turned out to be short lived as Massive Speed switched into high gear and scampered home in :28.3 to score in a new lifetime best 1:57.3.
The son of Dude’s The Man scored by 2-3/4 lengths for trainer Marc Tardif and owner Leighton Property. Bred in Maine by Laurie Harding, it was Massive Speed’s seventh consecutive victory.
Cheatin Fate finished second; Keenan Star held on for third.
In the second $17,437, which was held on the regular program, trainer Marc Tardif completed a sweep of the glamour boys division.
Driver Andy Harrington placed Dawn Two Dark on the front end and never looked back. The 3-year-old son of Deuce Seelster was very much in command through the entire mile, posting opening fractions of :30.1 and 1:01, with This Dudes Perfect (Heath Campbell) sitting in the two hole.
A three horse outer flow developed while the field headed into the 1:30.2 third panel with Ridgecrest Dan (John Nason) first over, followed by No Guts No Glory second up for driver Aaron Hall.
Despite the would-be spoilers, it was all Dawn Two Dark who put out the lights on the rest of his pursuers and prevailed by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:59.
Owned and trained by Marc Tardif, it was his second seasonal victory, returning $9.60. Dawn Two Dark was bred in Maine by Gary and Kristina Hall.
Wagering favorite Ridgecrest Dan finished second; This Dudes Perfect was third.
The Maine Sire Stakes winds down at Skowhegan 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
