August 4, 2024 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes (Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Marc and Peggy Tardif’s Maine-bred colt Cheatin Fate refuted his dire diagnosis, brushed off the grim reaper, and went on to win his first Maine Sire Stakes on Saturday (Aug. 3) at Cumberland Raceway.

While many of the sport’s harness racing fans were anxiously anticipating the start of the Hambletonian at the Meadowlands, Cheatin Fate quietly went about his business and took home his first pari-mutuel victory.  Proving to his naysayers that this colt had much more life in him than some gave him credit for, the son of Thirty Two Red was more or less cast aside by an academic veterinarian when he was afflicted with a bad case of colic.

Raised in Bell, Florida at the Tardif’s farm on the quiet, sandy back roads of Gilcrest Training Center, the colt was in the early stages of breaking and training when he got sick in November of last year.

“Our local vet came to the barn and suggested we take him to the University of Florida Veterinary Hospital in Gainesville,” Marc Tardif recalled.  “So we loaded him up and dropped him off around 1 am the next morning.”

A day later the hospital called and said that the horse had improved dramatically and was ready to come home and could be treated off site.

“Two hours later they called back and said he had taken a turn for the worse,” Tardif continued.  “They said we had to either approve emergency surgery, or euthanize, immediately.”

Neither Marc nor Peggy Tardif agreed with that diagnosis and went back to the hospital and picked up the colt.

“He was never experiencing extreme pain, it simply looked like an average case of colic,” noted Peggy Tardif.  “We just didn’t understand why they would recommend such a dramatic course of action.  So we decided to just bring him home and work on him with our local vet.”

Following some fluids and medicinal treatment while back in Bell (FL), the horse returned to normal in a few days, and has been fine ever since.  Half a year later the colt made his first start in a Learn and Earn baby race at Cumberland. 

During July he made two starts in the Maine Sire Stakes with a second and fourth place finish.  On Hambletonian Day Cheatin Fate lived up to his name and won his $16,161 division for freshmen pacing colts in 2:02.4.

Leaving from pylon position Cheatin Fate got away third and then had to be checked by regular driver Andy Harrington when stable mate Just Aftermidnight (9-2, Kevin Switzer Jr.) made a break right in front of him while heading to the quarter pole in 30.1.

While Cheatin Fate was regaining his ground in the two-hole, I’m Not Maverick (13-1, John Beckwith) arrived first over into a 1:02.2 softer half.  Following that live cover was the headstrong Jax Attack (6-5, Walter Case Jr.) who had since recovered from his earlier rambunctiousness.

With the outer flow fading into that faster 1:32 third panel, Cheatin Fate was poised to pounce in the pocket behind the pacesetting This Dudes Perfect (11-1, Heath Campbell).  Around the final turn Harrington tipped his charge and rolled off the turn and started to bear down on the leader.  Gaining ground with every stride the once discounted equine prevailed by 1-1/4 lengths.

Owned and trained by Marc Tardif, it was the colt’s first lifetime victory and fastest mile here-to-date.  He was bred in Maine by Kristina and Gary Hall and paid $5.00 to win.

This Dudes Perfect finished second; Jax Attack was third.

In the second $16,161 division it was a Tardif Trifecta as the 1-9 favorite Massive Speed utilized a perfect pocket trip to grab his fourth career victory in a new lifetime best 2:00.3.  Undefeated thus far this season, the son of Dude’s The Man is trained by Marc Tardif for owner Leighton Property.  He paid $2.20 to win and was bred by Laurie Harding.

Tardif stable mates completed the trifecta ticket with Dawn Two Dark (Harrington) and Ella V Dude (Switzer) caught in an official dead heat photo for second.

The Maine Sire Stakes continues at Topsham with a one day push due to rain on Sunday.  The 3-year-old filly pacers were originally scheduled for Monday (Aug. 5) and the 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers slated for Tuesday (Aug. 6).  Those divisions are reportedly set to race on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.

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

August 3, 2024, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Several of the six fillies in the $16,171 Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing fillies tried valiantly, but none could reel in wire-to-wire winner Chasing Dudes on Friday (Aug. 2) at Cumberland Raceway. 

Scoring for the second straight week, the daughter of Dude’s The Man never had an anxious moment as driver Nick Graffam set comfortable fractions of 30.1 and 1:02.4 in the opening half. 9-5 wagering favorite Glorilla (Ron Cushing) was the first to pull to the outside and challenge going past the stands to the 5/8’s marker.  Thinkin Bout Life (Walter Case Jr.) was also thinking about improving her position as she was second over.

By the swifter 1:33 third panel Glorilla was at the wheel of the pacesetting Chasing Dudes, with the field stacked up behind them heading into the final turn.  Graffam let out a notch through the apex and got a little breathing room from the rest of the pack.

Down the stretch Glorilla took one more shot at the leader, but to no avail.  Chasing Dudes tripped the timer in 2:03.3, winning by measured length margin.

Trained and co-owned by Mike Graffam with breeder Bob Marston, it was the filly’s second win in a row from just five lifetime starts.  She paid $7.60 to win.

Glorilla finished second; Audry (Steve Wilson) was third.

Nick Graffam picked up another two wins on the program, and leading reinsman Kevin Switzer Jr. had a grand slam.

Saturday’s 14-race closing day card (special post time 3:25 pm) includes all of the track’s regular betting options, including 50-cent Pick-5 (races 3-7 & 9-13); 50-cent Pick-4 (races 11-14); 50-cent Pick 3 (races 12-14), all with a low 16-percent take out. The 14^th race Pentafecta (High 5) has a $228.15 carryover.

There is also full card simulcasting of Hambletonian Day at the Meadowlands and Whitney Stakes Day at Saratoga.  Gates open at 11 am and programs from those two big tracks will be available.

The action at Cumberland starts with two $16,000-plus divisions for Maine-sired freshmen male pacers.  The opener pits Jax Attack (7-5, Walter Case Jr.) against Cheatin Fate (3-1, Andrew Harrington) who both hail from the powerful Tardif Taskforce.  Just Aftermidnight (3-1, Switzer) completes the stable’s troika.

The second $16,161 Maine Sire Stakes division shows Massive Speed (3-5, Case-Tardif) as the heavy favorite, with that third race named in memory of tack shop man ‘Ridgecrest’ Dan Chamberlin.

Race seven is the $12,500 Frank Dubreuil Jr. Memorial which is a winners over class of top pacers led by former Maine Sire Stakes champion Call Me Maverick (2-1, John Beckwith).  Other contenders are Lifes A Puzzle (5-2, Case) and Bet On Joe (9-2, Switzer).

Race eight is the $8,000 Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) final with runaway point leader Hunter Lofthus looking to secure his spot in the Tim Fouts Memorial Amateur Driving Championship at Delaware during Jug week.  The MADC is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine. 

In addition to the $12,500 winners over trot and several $10,000 pop up series finals, the highlight of the day may be the $25,000 Pine Tree Invitational Pace, which presents some of the best pacers in the state of Maine.  The early favorite is Heinikin Bythebay (9-5, Switzer) who scores from pylon position.  He is followed by The Wild Card (4-1, Graffam) and So Rock N’ Roll (5-1, Bruce Ranger).

The live action resumes during the annual Cumberland Fair for a week of racing beginning September 22 and continuing through Sept. 29.  The track’s 19-day Winter Festival begins November 2 and races through December 22 and will include the popular Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies.

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

August 2, 2024, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – Cumberland’s closing weekend purses have reached nearly a quarter of a million dollars when the track will offer $235,500 in purses on Friday (August 2) and Saturday (Aug. 3).  Led by the $25,000 Pine Tree Invitational Pace and three $16,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for freshmen pacers, the two-day extravaganza has 25 races for fans and bettors alike to enjoy.

The action starts of Friday (Aug. 2) at 3:15 pm with the lone $16,171 Maine-bred division of 2-year-old pacing fillies.  Three frosh females lead the charge and are equally accomplished with one win apiece.  The slight favorite is Leanne Marie (5-2, Mike Cushing) followed by Glorilla (3-1, Ron Cushing) and Chasing Dudes (3-1, Nick Graffam).  Throw in bridesmaid Whisper Of Luck (3-1, Kevin Switzer Jr.) and the punters will have their work cut out for them.

Nearly a dozen $5,000, $6,000 and $7,000 pop-up series finals are sprinkled throughout the card and will make for very exciting harness racing.

Friday’s 13-race card (post time 3:15 pm) includes all of the track’s regular betting options, including 50-cent Pick-5 (races 3-7); 50-cent Pick-4 (races 10-13); 50-cent Pick 3 (races 11-13), all with a low 16-percent take out.

Moving on to closing day on Saturday (Aug. 3), has a special 3:25 pm post time with full card simulcasting of Hambletonian Day at the Meadowlands and Whitney Stakes Day at Saratoga.  Gates open at 11 am and programs from those two big tracks will be available.

At Cumberland Raceway Saturday’s 14-race card starts with two $16,000-plus divisions for Maine-sired freshmen male pacers.  The opener pits Jax Attack (7-5, Walter Case Jr.) against Cheatin Fate (3-1, Andrew Harrington) who both hail from the powerful Tardif Taskforce.  Just Aftermidnight (3-1, Switzer) completes the stable’s troika.

The second $16,161 Maine Sire Stakes division shows Massive Speed (3-5, Case-Tardif) as the heavy favorite, with that third race named in memory of tack shop man ‘Ridgecrest’ Dan Chamberlin.

Race seven is the $12,500 Frank Dubreuil Jr. Memorial which is a winners over class of top pacers led by former Maine Sire Stakes champion Call Me Maverick (2-1, John Beckwith).  Other contenders are Lifes A Puzzle (5-2, Case) and Bet On Joe (9-2, Switzer).

Race eight is the $8,000 Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) final with runaway point leader Hunter Lofthus looking to secure his spot in the Tim Fouts Memorial Amateur Driving Championship at Delaware during Jug week.  The MADC is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine. 

In addition to the $12,500 winners over trot and several $10,000 pop up series finals, the highlight of the day may be the $25,000 Pine Tree Invitational Pace, which presents some of the best pacers in the state of Maine.  The early favorite is Heinikin Bythebay (9-5, Switzer) who scores from pylon position.  He is followed by The Wild Card (4-1, Graffam) and So Rock N’ Roll (5-1, Bruce Ranger).

The live action resumes during the annual Cumberland Fair for a week of racing beginning September 22 and continuing through Sept. 29.  The track’s 19-day Winter Festival begins November 2 and races through December 22 and will include the popular Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies.

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

July 28, 2024, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – All four $15,000-plus divisions of Maine-sired trotters invaded Cumberland Raceway on Saturday (July 27) with several divisions captured by the usual suspects, yet others seeing some fresh faces emerge.

In the pari-mutuel $16,378 Maine Sire Stakes opener Whatawonder had fans cheering ‘What a horse!’

With no equine able to reach his bridle, as of yet, the son of Whataworkout romped and stomped to victory for the fourth consecutive time.  Driven by Kenneth Watson for trainer Lisa Watson and owner Barbara Lawson, the heretofore undefeated gelding has never seen the back of a helmet. 

Scoring in 2:07 in another wire-to-wire training mile, Liberty’s Wildcard (Kevin Switzer Jr.) got to within a half of a length at the wire, which has been the closest that any other foe has ever gotten to him.

Whatawonder paid $3.00 to win.  Stablemate Katahdin Victor (Wally Watson) finished third.

Next up were the freshmen fillies going for $16,341, with the even-money favorite Katahdin Mistress (Wally Watson) slow to get engaged.  The first leave was Blizzard’s Fury (Swizter) who sent the daughter of Whataworkout right to the top in a 31.1 opening panel. 

Ranging up on the outside following her earlier hesitation was Katahdin Mistress to challenge for the lead.  From that point the pair raced ‘European style’ being stuck first over into a 1:03.1 half.  While the field bunched up going into the 1:34.2 third panel, Katahdin Mistress got shut out of the two-hole and continued to take in that fresh Maine air.

Employing a second over move was Heath Campbell driving Pandemic Princess who swooped the other combatants and had just Blizzard’s Fury to catch.  Andy Harrington hustled Barbella three-wide in similar fashion to lap the tiring aggressors.

At the wire Blizzard’s Fury held off the late charges to prevail in 2:06 by half a length.  Trained by Marc Tardif for owner-breeder Leighton Property, it was the filly’s first lifetime victory.  She paid $15.00 to win.

Pandemic Princess finished second; Barbella was third.

Before the regular card there were two divisions for Maine-sired sophomore trotters, with Chipper Dale repeating in his $15,983 3-year-old colt and gelding trot in 2:04.4.  Driven by Drew Campbell for trainer Valerie Grondin has emerged as the leader of the pack and has added considerable padding to his top point total.  The son of Shake It Off Lindy now has three Maine Sire Stakes victories on the season for owner-breeder Lynn-Marie Plouffe.

It was a Grondin double as Pembroke Will (Heath Campbell) finished second; Carrabassett (Mark Athearn) was third.

The fairer set completed the quartet of Maine Sire Stakes, with Pembroke Breeze (Heath Campbell) taking the $15,983 sophomore filly trot in 2:03.2.  Trained by Valerie Grondin for owner-breeder William Varney, the daughter of Pembroke Slugger has won her last four stakes outings and is the clear leader of her division.

Twisted Venture (Mike Cushing) finished second; My Saving Grace (Mark Athearn) was third.

In other news, the undisputed and still heavyweight points champion of the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC), Hunter Lofthus scored another knockout blow to his competition.  Despite being assigned the eight-hole, the 35-year-old reinsman picked up his seventh win of the season and scored again with his trusty steed Forrest Blu.  Winning by 3-1/2 lengths in 1:59 following a first over past at the half, they paid $4.00 to win.  The MADC is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine.

Drew Campbell picked up three driving wins on the afternoon’s full program.

The First Tracks Cumberland meet concludes next week on Friday and Saturday, August 2 & 3.  The final day of the meet features the $25,000 Pine Tree Invitational Pace, as well as full card simulcasting of Hambletonian Day at the Meadowlands and Whitney Stakes Day at Saratoga.  Gates open at 11 am, with the first pari-mutuel harness race set for 3:15 pm.

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

July 27, 2024, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Fresh off her track record-equaling performance Gowestyoungrace overpowered her foes at Cumberland on Friday (July 26) to win her third consecutive Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing fillies.

In the first of two $16,000-plus divisions of the Maine-sired series driver Dave Ingraham allowed the early speed to roll out on top while taking and all-so-brief respite.  The first to leave was Who’s Perfect (5-2, Heath Campbell), who was immediately followed by My Sweet Revenge (7-1, Kevin Switzer Jr.) into a 28.4 second opening panel.

While marching into the 59.1 half Ingraham had Gowestyounggrace first over around the second turn and cleared as the field passed the stands for the second time.  On top and in control through the 1:28.1 third panel Gowestyounggrace had Who’s Perfect glued to her helmet with My Sweet Revenge tipping to the outside to challenge around the final turn.

The 1-5 favorite found another gear as they turned for home, sprinting away to win by a comfortable 2-length margin in 1:58.  The heavy 1-5 favorite paid just $2.60 to win.

Conditioned by Fred Ward Jr., who owns and bred with his wife Sharon Ward, the daughter of Western Maverick-Gracie Gracie has won half of her eight seasonal outings.

Who’s Perfect finished second; My Sweet Revenge was third. 

In the second $16,421 division of the Maine Sire Stakes for sidestepping sophomore distaffs, it was another favorite that triumphed in front-end fashion.

It was a three-horse cavalry charge into the first turn with Ghost of You (3-5, Switzer) taking command from Animore Sass (6-1, Andy Harrington) and Mrs Foxy Roxy (7-1, Drew Campbell).  Switzer had things his own way and was able to back down from the 28.4 opening panel to a more pedestrian 1:00.1 half.

At the 1:30.2 third panel the pace had quickened as Harrington pulled the pocked with Animore Sass and poked a head in front as the battling stable mates led the field through the final turn. Ghost Of You emerged the leader at the head of the stretch and was able to fend off the kinetic momentum of Animore Sass to prevail by three parts of a length in 2:01.

Trained by Marc Tardif for owner-breeder Leighton Property, the daughter of Deuce Seelster secured her first Maine Sire Stakes victory of the season.

Pembroke Red (Heath Campbell-Valerie Grondin) recovered from an early miscue to get up for third.

‘Double Digit’ Dave Ingraham picked up the middle of his driving triple in the $7,000 Chickadee Pop-Up Series Trot, scoring with Guinness in 2:02.4 while paying a whopping $84.20 to win.  Aaron Hall also enjoyed a teamster trifecta.  The meet’s leading driver, Kevin Switzer Jr., also had a double, as did Drew Campbell.  Trainer Jamie Gerard harnessed a pair of winners.

Looking ahead to Saturday (July 27), Cumberland sees the return of all the Maine-sired trotters for their next round of Maine Sires Stakes action.  Two early, non-wagering races start the day with the sophomore trotters, post time is 2:15 pm.  Then the regular card kicks off with two $16,000-plus divisions for freshmen trotters, as well as a $5,000 division of the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC).  The MADC is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine.  The rest of the 13-race program features additional pop-up series with increased $6,000-$7,000 purses.

The First Tracks Cumberland meet concludes next week on Friday and Saturday, August 2 & 3.  The final day of the meet features the $25,000 Pine Tree Invitational Pace, as well as full card simulcasting of Hambletonian Day at the Meadowlands and Whitney Stakes Day at Saratoga.  Gates open at 11 am, with the first pari-mutuel harness race set for 3:15 pm.

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

July 26, 2024 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes (Holli Niles photos)

BANGOR, ME – Kevin Switzer Jr. steered two of the Marc Tardif stable’s six 3-year-old male pacers to wire-to-wire victories in both $16,000-plus legs of the Maine Sire Stakes on Thursday (July 25) at the Bangor State Fair.

Switzer wasted little time as he sent Wes’s Challenge to the top in the 5-horse opener and cruised through comfortable fractions of 29.3 and 1:00.3 to the half.  From that point the reinsman rolled into a swifter 1:29.4 third panel en route to a 57.3 back half to win handily in 1:58.1 by 1-1/2 lengths.

It was the second seasonal win for the son of Deuce Seelster who has now won two Maine Sire Stakes events for trainer Marc Tardif and owner Leighton Property. Wes’s Challenge paid $3.20 to win, and was bred by Gary and Kristina Hall.

What’s For Suppaah (Aaron Hall-Michelle Hardin) finished second; Arts Flight (Andy Harrington-Tardif) was third.

In the second $16,461 division the odds-on favorite Two Fold Cold never had an anxious moment, as Switzer allowed the son of Deuce Seelster to set strong fractions of 28.3, 58.4, and 1:27.2 unfettered through the first three stations.

By the head of the stretch under some rain drops the public’s choice had put five lengths between himself and the rest of the field.  Under the wire with no urging necessary, the timer read 1:56.2 with the margin of victory being 4-1/2 lengths.

Owned and trained by Marc Tardif he paid just $2.20 to win.  Also, bred by Gary and Kristina Hall, it was a nursery double for the Hall’s.

It was the fourth victory of the season in as many starts for the lightly raced gelding.  It was also Two Fold Cold’s third Maine Sire Stakes win.

Hesjustadelight (Ron Cushing) finished second; Oakleypopsthedeuce (McGwire Sowers) was third.

The Maine Sire Stakes continues with 3-year-old filly pacers on Friday (July 26) at Cumberland, which is followed by all the 2- and 3-year-old trotters on Saturday (July 27).

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

July 24, 2024 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes (Holli Niles photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Two $16,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old male pacers highlight the Bangor Fair card on Thursday (July 25) with several of the individual ‘glamour boys’ vying for the top spot in the point standings.

With five horses battling for the lead in the series, and only two colts having won more than a single event, it’s anyone’s guess who may emerge the leader after week five.

The toughest $16,416 division has been carded as race eight and features both two-time victors Two Fold Cold (5-2, Kevin Switzer Jr.) and Justcallmebuck (9-2, Heath Campbell).

Two Fold Cold hails from the powerful Tardif Taskforce and has won both of his stakes events this year.  The fastest of the bunch, he paced to an effortless 1:55.2 romp last week.  Scampering away by 4-1/2 lengths, he added a strong 28.4 last quarter as an exclamation point.

Justcallmebuck is trained by Gary Hall and is the homebred property of Kristina Hall.  He has two wins and two seconds in his four stakes outings, and is the current point leader.  Ironically, Gary and Kristina Hall also bred Two Fold Cold.

Tardif also sends out Ella V Fella (4-1, Andy Harrington) who won an opening round division.  Ron Cushing’s Hesjustadelight (7-2) is no slouch either, having finished 1-2-3 in all four of his Maine Sire Stakes outings.

In the other $16,191 division the Marc Tardif-trained Arts Flight leads the card at 21 with Andy Harrington at the controls.  A winner last week in 1:58.4, he should have things his own way with this bunch.

Wes’s Challenge (5-2) is another one of six total entrants from the Tardif Taskforce, and gets Kevin Switzer Jr. this week.  He was second to Two Fold Cold last week and paced in 1:56.1, the fastest race time of any of his peers in this Downeast dogfight.  The first division is the card’s opener, with post time at 5 pm at historic Bass Park.

The Maine Sire Stakes continues with 3-year-old filly pacers on Friday (July 26) at Cumberland, which is followed by all the 2- and 3-year-old trotters on Saturday (July 27).

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

July 21, 2024 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes (Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – A single $16,171 division of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing fillies opened the card on Saturday (July 20) at Cumberland Raceway, with the Graffam’s Chasing Dudes leading the charge.

Discounted at 10-1 in lieu of previous winners, the daughter of Dude’s The Man led every call as driver Nick Graffam cruised through moderate fractions of 30.1, 1:02.4 and then a swifter 1:32.3 third panel.

Around the final turn Whisper Of Luck (Kevin Switzer Jr.-Marc Tardif) took aim at the leader and was first up and applying ample pressure.  While the pacesetter was able to gain some separation at the head of the stretch, the pursuer tracked her down and got to within a quarter length at the wire.

Chasing Dudes prevailed in 2:03.1, a new lifetime mark as well as her first career victory.  Trained and co-owned by Mike Graffam, she was bred and is also co-owned by leading conditioner Bob Marston.  The filly paid $22.60 to win.

Last week’s victor, Leanne Marie (Mike Cushing-Charlene Cushing) was third.

The Maine Sire Stakes resumes on Thursday (July 25) when the 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers return to Bangor for their annual ‘Fair’ stint.  This is immediately followed by the 3-year-old filly pacers on Friday (July 26) at Cumberland, with all the 2- and 3-year-old trotters on Saturday (July 27).

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

July 18, 2024 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes (Holli Niles photos)

BANGOR, ME – Two $16,000-plus divisions of Maine Sire Stakes sparred for dollars as each of the freshmen male pacing victors played “catch me if you can.”

The first $16,162 division for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings was a repeat performance for Massive Speed as the son of Dude’s The Man picked up his second consecutive stakes victory for the Tardif Taskforce.

As the wings folded This Dudes Perfect (Heath Campbell) went right to the top with Ella V Dude (evin Switzer Jr.) matching strides in the first turn.  With the field moving down the backstretch toward the 29.4 opening panel, Switzer backed Ella V Dude into the pocket, which was the cue for 1-9 Massive Speed and Walter Case Jr. to leave from third position and blast to the front.

The heavy favorite led the field through a 1:01.4 half, prompting Switzer and Ella V Dude to leave their position and put in a first over challenge for the top.  The colts were all bunched up heading past the 1:32.1 third panel into the final turn with This Dudes Perfect in the two-hole and Dawn Two Dark (Andy Harrington) second over.

While it may have appeared that Massive Speed had his hands full at the head of the stretch, Case simply shook the lines at the colt and he responded with a burst of speed to put away any would-be spoilers. Drawing clear by 3-1/2 lengths to score in 2:02.1, he paid just $2.20 to win.  Trained by Marc Tardif for owner Leighton Property, he was bred in Maine by Laurie Harding.

Stable mate Dawn To Dark finished second; This Dudes Perfect was third.

The second and final $16,161 division was captured by Ridgecrest Dan in wire-to-wire fashion.  Leaving from post six, trainer-driver John Nason sent the Dude’s The Man colt right to the top where he set reasonable fractions of 30.4, 1:03, 1:32.4 before cruising home in 2:03 flat.

It was the first pari-mutuel win, and a new record, for the Jason Vafiades-bred colt, who is now owned by Bill ‘Yarmouth Lumber’ Phipps.  He paid $4.00 to win.  Named for Dan the harness man, the colt has two wins and two seconds in four lifetime outings.

Cheatin Fate (Andy Harrington) finished second; Just Aftermidnight (Garrett Mosher) was third.  Both were trained by Marc Tardif.

The Maine Sire Stakes ships south to Cumberland on Saturday (July 20) for the 2-year-old filly pacers. 

For more information about the Maine Sire Stakes and the updated point standings, go to their website: https://www.mainesirestakes.com and follow our facebook page @MaineBreedersAssociation

July 15, 2024 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes (Holli Niles photos)

BANGOR, ME – Four $15,000-plus divisions of Maine Sire Stakes visited historic Bass Park in Bangor for a trotting extravaganza, with each division represented by the Downeast faithful.

The action began just before the regular card with a $15,758 non-betting race for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings.

Pembroke Will (Heath Campbell-Valerie Grondin) took command as the son of Pembroke Slugger inherited pylon position due to the early miscue of Carrabassett (Mark Athern-Gretchen Athearn).  Pembroke Will cut sensible fractions of 30.1 and 1:02 with stable mate Chipper Dale (Drew Campbell) tracking along closely in second, with the trailer Carrbassett catching the field by the half.

As the troika approached the 1:33.1 third panel Carrbassett had jumped again while the Campbell brothers began their battle to the finish.  At the head of the stretch Chipper Dale had poked a head in front and continued to gain ground through lane and prevailed over Pembroke Will by half a length in 2:03.

Trained by Valerie Grondin for owner-breeder Lynn-Marie Plouffe, the son of Shake It Off Lindy picked up his second win of the season and eighth career victory.

Interestingly, all three of these gentlemen trotters had been tied in the points standings, having traded 1-2-3 finishes the last three weeks.

Fifteen minutes later, in the $15,983 sophomore filly trot, trainer Valerie Grondin was back in the winner’s circle with Pembroke Breeze.  Driver Heath Campbell sent that 3-year-old daughter of Pembroke Slugger out to the front and never looked back.  Setting evenly rated fractions of 30, 1:00.1 and 1:30 the trotting lass was seemingly on cruise control as she gained separation with every stanza.

At the wire Pembroke Breeze was on top by six and scored in a lifetime best of 2:00.1, taking two and a fifth seconds off of her previous mark.  Owned and bred by Bill Varney, it was her third win in a row.  She paid just $2.20 as the 1-9 favorite, and has now thrust herself well atop the divisional point standings.

Twisted Venture (Mike Cushing-Charlene Cushing) finished second; My Saving Grace (Mark Athearn-Gretchen Athearn) was third.

While Team Grondin swept the 3-year-old divisions, Team Watson dominated the freshmen sets.

Whatawonder proved he was no fluke as he performed his second wire-to-wire romp in as many weeks, taking the $16,378 Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old male trotters.

Dashing away from the car like a hoppled pacer, driver Ken Watson had Whatawonder on top by four before the first turn.  From that point on the son of Whataworkout needed no additional instructions as he led the field unabated and cruised home in 2:06.4, improving his win record from the week before.

Trained by Lisa Watson for owner-breeder Barbara Lawson, he paid $4.60 to win.

Liberty’s Wildcard (Walter Case Jr.-Marc Tardif) finished second; Katahdin Victor (Wally Watson-Lisa Watson) was third.

The final $16,166 Maine Sire Stakes for freshman distaff trotters was another episode of the Watson power hour as they sent Katahdin Mistress out for her first big victory of the season.

As the gate sprung several breakers caused a reshuffling of the deck which allowed Kenny Watson to put Lady Lake Marty on the front end.  Heading into a 33 second opening panel, Wally Watson shot like a rocket down the backstretch with Katahdin Mistress to wrest command from his brother.  The daughter of Victor Blue Chip was sent down the road from that point and proceeded to making every call a winning one as she hit the timer in 2:08.1, a new lifetime mark.

Owned and bred by James Kelley Jr. and Betsey Kelley, she is trained by Lisa Watson and paid $7.80 to win.

Little Shot (Ivan Davies) finished second; Lady Lake Marty was third.

The Maine Sire Stakes continues this week at Bangor with two $16,000-plus divisions for 2-year-old male pacers on Wednesday (July 17), and then ships south to Cumberland on Saturday (July 20) for the 2-year-old filly pacers. 

For more information about the Maine Sire Stakes and the updated point standings, go to their website: https://www.mainesirestakes.com and follow our facebook page @MaineBreedersAssociation