October 4, 2025, by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)
FRYEBURG, ME – The Maine Sire Stakes wrapped up its divisional tour with the 3-year-old trotters on Friday (Oct. 3) at the famous Fryeburg Fair, with a $17,000-plus division for each gender.
In the first $17,476 division, Whatawonder (Ken Watson) brushed away from the car early to take command into a :31.4 opening panel. 2/5 favorite Liberty’s Wildcard (Kevin Switzer Jr.) tracked along in the pocket through the 1:02.4 mid-way point.
Heading to the third panel in 1:32.1 Switzer tipped the son of Noble Venture and challenged the pacesetter for the top. By the head of the stretch Liberty’s Wildcard was on top and drawing off, tripping the timer in 2:01.3 by a comfortable three length margin.
Trained by Marc Tardif for owner Leighton Property, it was his fifth straight victory and he returned $2.80. He was bred by Jerry Stratton Jr.
Whatawonder finished second; Enchanted Prince (Andy Harrington) was third.
In the second $17,722 division the class standout Barbella came from off the pace to capture her seventh consecutive score in the Maine Sire Stakes, winning by three lengths in 2:03.
Driven by Kevin Switzer Jr. for trainer Ken Anderson and owner Bob Zakian, the daughter of Whataworkout was bred by the late Mike Andrew. She paid $2.80.
Little Shot (Ivan Davies) finished second; Twisted Fate (Mike Cushing) was third.
The Maine Sire Stakes season concludes with the $340,000-plus Sophomore Finals on Saturday (Oct. 11) at Bangor Raceway.
For more information, including the final point standings for the upcoming finals, go to our facebook page @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to the website: https://www.mainesirestakes.com
