June 20, 2023 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes (Joe Shaw photo)
BANGOR, ME – Another two full fields of eight 3-year-old male pacers highlight the second round of Maine Sire Stakes action at Bangor on Wednesday (June 21), with the powerful Marc Tardif stable sending seven entries postward.
A four-horse squad from the ‘Tardif Taskforce’ dominates the first $15,367 division for Pine Tree State-bred colts and geldings, with last week’s winner first division winner Colt Bennett (Bruce Ranger/David Crochere, PP 2, 5-2) facing Tardif’s star pupil Luke McGook (Kevin Switzer Jr.). Fresh off his 3,000th career victory at Cumberland last Saturday, ‘Switz’ drives the 7-5 favorite from post position 5.
Winner of the fastest of two divisions last week, the son of Rock N’ Roll World took a seasonal mark of 1:57 in his 3-1/4 length romp. A winner of $140,457 last season, Luke McGook did some damage to his competitors on both sides of the bay, having enjoyed significant success in both Maine and Massachusetts. Owned by Leighton property, his entry-mate is Rockaroundsam (Dan Deslandes, PP 8).
A Tardif-owned race entry is comprised of Twice The Ice (Andy Harrington, PP 1) and Anithingforyoudear (Walter Case Jr., PP 6) who are listed as 2-1 on the early morning line. The former makes his first start of the year, where the latter enters his first stakes race of the season following a pair of maiden prep victories at Cumberland over the last few weeks.
The second $15,367 division enjoys a full field of eight, with another Leighton Property-owned, Tardif-trained entry, comprised of So Rock N’ Roll (Walter Case Jr., PP 1) and Someone’s Hero (Andy Harrington, PP 2). These two geldings finished second and third, respectively, in their respective divisions last outing and are listed as 7-5 on the morning line.
Two Towns Over (Aaron Hall) has been installed as the 3-2 favorite and scores from post position 3. Beaten just a neck last week by Colt Bennett, he is trained by Valerie Grondin. The son of Deuce Seelster earned $80,374 last year, which included a victory in the Maine Sire Stakes championship final at Cumberland in a track record 1:57.
The Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes returns to Cumberland on Friday for two $13,500-plus divisions for 3-year-old trotters. First post is 3:15 pm. Following that, Maine’s 3-year-old pacing fillies head north to Bangor on Sunday (June 25).
For more information about the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes, follow our facebook page @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their new website: https://www.mainesirestakes.com
June 18, 2023 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes (Stephanie Gray photos)
CUMBERLAND, ME – Last year’s Maine frosh filly champ, Pickmepickme, picked up right where she left off winning Saturday’s (June 17) fastest of two $14,684 divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing fillies at Cumberland.
With Andrew Harrington at the controls, and using the luck of the draw along with her considerable racing prowess, the now-3-year-old daughter of Western Maverick took advantage of her pylon position to grab the lead at the start and continued to maintain control of the tempo into a 30 opening panel. With the fair track rated as ‘good’ the field stayed in perfect alignment with stable mate Katelyn’s Angel (Kevin Switzer Jr., 5-2) right on her helmet at the 1:01.2 half mile marker while they passed the stands for the first time.
Sensing the readiness of the pocket-sitting Katelyn’s Angel, Harrington let out a notch on Pickmepickme and hit the third stanza in a quickening 1:31.3, while getting a little separation. As the field turned for home Switzer Jr. tipped his live filly but could not catch the leader who scored under wraps in 2:01.3.
Owned, trained and bred by Marc Tardif, with special recognition to his wife and partner Peg Tardif, Pickmepickme went off the 1-5 favorite and paid $2.60 to win. The ‘Tardif Taskforce’ exacta included second place finisher Katelyn’s Angel, who was just 1-3/4 lengths from the leader at the finish. Justcallmemimi (Bruce Ranger) was third.
In the opening Maine Sire Stakes split, the filly South St Dottie (Nick Graffam, 5-2) came from off the pace to nab the pacesetting favorite La Mambacita (Heath Campbell, 2-5) to score by a tight margin.
When the car sped away over the rain-moistened surface, Heath Campbell put his filly La Mambacita right on the front end and was well in command before the horses straightened out to move down the backside for the first time. Janie (Aaron Hall) assumed the pocket position with 23-1 longshot Alittlemorebliss (Ron Cushing) in third.
As the pacing fillies watched the pacesetter establish a two-length lead into a 30.2 opening panel, Nick Graffam tipped South St Dottie out from fourth position at the 3/8’s marker in a bid for situation improvement. That early move was put on pause as Graffam went back to the pylons as the field passed the half in 1:02. Going into the backstretch paddock turn the final time, Graffam finally committed to his first over move and began to swiftly advance his charge into a 1:32.1 third stanza.
Around the final turn South St Dottie looked La Mambacita right in the eye. However, as the field turned for home Graffam’s filly hesitated slightly and the battle was on. In the shadow of the wire South St Dottie found an extra spring to her step, getting up in the final strides to win by a quarter of a length over La Mambacita in 2:02.
Trained by Mike Graffam for owner Jan Donaway, the 3-year-old daughter of Western Maverick paid $7.60 to win. Janie finished third.
The Maine Sire Stakes resumes at Bangor on Wednesday (June 21) where the glamour boys (3yo pacing colts) meet for week two. Next Weekend at Cumberland the sophomore trotters make their debut on Friday (June 23) with the 3-year-old pacing fillies visiting Bangor on Saturday (June 24).
For more information about the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes, follow our facebook page @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their new website: https://www.mainesirestakes.com
June 16, 2023 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes (Stephanie Gray photo)
CUMBERLAND, ME – Saturday’s (June 17) Cumberland card features two $14,684 divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing fillies, and leading the way is freshman filly pacing champion Pickmepickme from the powerful Marc Tardif stable.
With 8 wins in 10 starts and earnings of $89,265, the daughter of Western Maverick was a dominant force among the frosh sidesteppers last season for owner and breeder Tardif. Never worse than third in her entire career, she amassed an impressive 34-length combined margin of victory in her last seven romps.
Named after a youngster named Lauren who frequented the Tardif stable, at age five she always wanted to be picked up by Marc Tardif. As soon as she saw Tardif she would exclaim, ‘pick me, pick me.’ Suffering from some serious medical issues, and somewhat smaller in size due to the condition, she loved to be picked up and carried around to visit with all the horses in the barn.
As she grew older her summers were highlighted by visits to the Tardif stable where she always had a pony, some rabbits, and any other critters that she could fuss over. Over time, everyone around the close-knit Maine harness racing community would take turns looking after Lauren while the Tardif Taskforce was busy racing. She would visit the judge’s booth, the photo stand, hang out on the apron, anywhere that she could see the horses and be with horse people.
“She is the granddaughter of some of our close friends,” noted Peggy and Marc Tardif. “All she ever wants is to be at the barn with the horses, so we always welcome her any chance we get.”
With her condition improved, the filly with the name that she created, Pickmepickme, gives Lauren another reason to smile.
The Maine Sire Stakes events are programed as races one and nine on the regular program. In the ninth race, the Tardif Taskforce sends out both Pickmepickme (Andy Harrington, 4-5), who scores from pylon position and Katelyn’s Angel (Kevin Switzer Jr., 9-5) from post 4.
The first division in the opener lists the early morning line favorite as La Mambacita at 7-5. Driven by Heath Campbell and trained by Valerie Grondin, the daughter of Western Maverick comes off of a 1:56.3 second place finish at Plainridge on June 6. She was bred by Lynn-Marie Plouffe and is owned by Scott McKenzie.
There are also two entries from the Mike Graffam stable, with the second choice being South St Dottie at 2-1 from post 3. Driven by Nick Graffam, the daughter of Western Maverick earned $43,376 last season with a victory at Windsor Fair. They also send out Ally Mac (6-1, post 5) who will get the services of Kevin Switzer Jr. who is just 3 wins away from 3,000 career victories.
First post is 3:15 pm at Cumberland Raceway.
Two divisions of ‘Learn and Earn’ baby races will be held before Friday’s card starting at 1:15 pm. The races go for $200 each and give the youngsters a chance to get behind the gate before their freshmen Maine Sire Stakes divisions start in earnest in early July.
For complete entries, go to the US Trotting entries link:
For more information about the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes, follow our facebook page @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their new website: https://www.mainesirestakes.com
June 14, 2023 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes (Shelley Gilpatrick photos)
BANGOR, ME – Maine’s leading money-winning freshman pacer of 2022, Luke McGook, returned to his winning ways at Bangor on Wednesday (June 14), taking the fastest of two $15,376 divisions of the season’s opening round of Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers.
Driven by Kevin Switzer Jr. for trainer Marc Tardif in the second non-betting race, the son of Rock N’ Roll World grabbed the lead just past the 27.2 opening panel, following a little front-end fisticuffs by Wicked Scorchah and Drew Campbell.
From that point forward it was all over but the shouting as the pair coasted home in dominant fashion, tripping the timer in 1:57. Coming off of two preps at Gil Crest Training Center in April and a final tune-up last week at Cumberland, the Leighton Property-owned sophomore never had an anxious moment, dashing home with a 28.3 final quarter while winning by 3-1/4 lengths.
Bred by Erika Saucier, Luke McGook was never worse than second during his freshman campaign, winning 8 of 13 and earning a hefty $140,457 for his efforts. Following the stakes races, his regular driver Kevin Switzer Jr. won an additional three overnight races on the regular program at Bangor, which brought his current lifetime dash win total to 2,996.
So Rock N’ Roll (Walter Case Jr.) finished second, and was also trained by Marc Tardif. Wicked Scorchah was third.
Last season’s Maine Sire Stakes freshman final winner, Two Towns Over (Aaron Hall), finished a hard-charging second to the faster-closing Colt Bennett (Bruce Ranger), who ultimately won the first $15,376 non-betting event.
Also a son of Rock N’ Roll World, Colt Bennett had to score from the outermost post seven, and was forced to come second over and catch the pack from off the pace.
Someones Hero (Andrew Harrington) grabbed the lead and controlled the tempo with modest fractions of 30, 1:00.3 and 1:29.1 before being overtaken down the stretch by the David Crochere-trained Colt Bennett. Throwing in a 28.3 final quarter was all it took to make up nearly three lengths in the final goings to win by a neck for owner Nancy Longobardi in 1:58.2.
It was the second win of the year for Colt Bennett, who was bred by Steve O’Toole. Two Towns Over finished second; Someones Hero was third.
The Maine Sire Stakes resumes on Saturday’s (June 17) Cumberland Raceway program, which has two $14,684 divisions for 3-year-old pacing fillies. Slated as races one and nine on the regular card, first post is 3:15 pm. For full entries click here:
With up to ten legs for each division throughout the summer and autumn months, and purses on the rise, the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes has been promoting and providing a venue for Pine Tree State Standardbreds since the legislative establishment of the program in 1972.
For more information about the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes, follow our facebook page @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their new website: https://www.mainesirestakes.com
June 13, 2023 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
BANGOR, ME – Two full fields of eight 3-year-old pacers highlight the first round of Maine Sire Stakes action at Bangor on Wednesday (June 14), which marks the start of the 18-week season of New England’s premier harness racing showcase.
With up to ten legs for each division throughout the summer and autumn months, and purses on the rise, the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes has been promoting and providing a venue for Pine Tree State Standardbreds since the legislative establishment of the program in 1972.
While the series has evolved over the last fifty years…so has the speed and durability of the Maine-bred harness horse. While it is not uncommon to see horses by Maine sires competing throughout North America, New England drivers and trainers are also making a name for themselves on the National stage.
Bruce Ranger, who recently eclipsed 10,000 lifetime driving victories, is a regular on the Maine Sire Stakes circuit, and will make his presence known when the wings fold at historic Bass Park for the opener.
Last year’s Champion freshmen pacer, Two Towns Over, makes his debut in the first of two non-betting events. Owned and trained by Valerie Grondin and driven by Aaron Hall, the son of Deuce Seelster won six of nine last season, including the $61,067 final at Cumberland in a track record 1:57.
Sure to be one of the ‘glamour boys’ to keep an eye on this season, Two Town Over is right at home at Bangor, having just put in a couple of impressive qualifying preps over the last several weeks.
TWO TOWNS OVER winning the 2yo Final in a track record 1:57 at Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photo)
“He was real sharp,” noted his regular pilot Hall. “He’s a handy horse to drive. You can put him in a spot and ask him to go whenever you need to.”
Hall continued, “I am very excited for the upcoming season. Val [Grondin] and Heath [Campbell] did a great job bringing him back. He’s strong and we think he will be as good as he was last year.”
Although Two Towns Over earned $80,374 last year for owner/trainer Grondin, he was not richest freshman of the bunch. That distinction goes to Luke McGook, who hails from the Tardif ‘Taskforce.’ The 3-year-old son of Rock N’ Roll World competed in both the Maine Sire Stakes and the Massachusetts program at Plainridge.
Finishing second in the Maine final to Two Towns Over on October 1, two days later Luke McGook finished second in a Mass. Stake and then won the next $65,000 event on Oct. 16. He finished the season with a second place finish in the $125,000 Mass. final at Plainridge, making him one of the richest Maine-bred and sired freshmen pacers of all time. Bred by Erika Saucier, last year he earned a whopping $140,457 for his Leighton Property owners.
LUKE McGOOK (Shelley Gilpatrick photo)
While it’s widely known that the Tardif clan arrives at each venue loaded for bear, this week’s bow is no exception. Marc and Peggy have six entries in the first two events, and their horses always arrive ‘ready to race.’
Two Towns Over scores from post seven in the first non-betting race on Wednesday’s (June 14) card at Bangor, post time 2:15 pm, while Luke McGook has post two in the second event.
RACE 1 – Bangor Raceway – ME – June 14, 2023 Conditions: MAINE BRED 3 YEAR OLD COLTS AND GELDINGS Gait: Pace; Purse: $15,376; Post Time: 2:15 PM
(Post, Horse, Age, Sire-Dam, Driver, Trainer) 1, Pembroke Danny Boy, 3, Baron Biltmore-Migraine, Heath Campbell, Valerie Grondin 2, Someones Hero, 3, Rock N` Roll World- Wolf Creek Cupid, Andrew Harrington, Marc Tardif 3, Two Points, 3, Deuce Seelster-Tally Ho, Drew Campbell, Eric Bickmore 4, Ill Rock The World, 3, Rock N` Roll World- Fire Can Fly, Ron Cushing, Heidi Gibbs 5, Rockaroundsam, 3, Rock N` Roll World- Swingnsway Sammy K, Kevin Switzer Jr, Marc Tardif 6, Facemaskrequired, 3, Deuce Seelster- Sally Pansen, Walter Case Jr, Marc Tardif 7, Two Towns Over, 3, Deuce Seelster- City Girl Hanover, Aaron Hall, Valerie Grondin 8, Colt Bennett 3, Rock N` Roll World- Unbeachable, Bruce Ranger, David Crochere
RACE 2 – Bangor Raceway – ME – June 14, 2023 Conditions: MAINE BRED 3 YEAR OLD COLTS AND GELDINGS Gait: Pace, Purse: $15,376, Post Time: 2:32 PM
(Post, Horse, Age, Sire-Dam, Driver, Trainer) 1, Anithingforyoudear, 3, Rock N` Roll World- Anianne Hanover, Andrew Harrington, Marc Tardif 2, Luke McGook, 3, Rock N` Roll World- Madonna Hanover, Kevin Switzer Jr, Marc Tardif 3, Race Me Maverick, 3, Western Maverick- Race Me Android, William Childs, William Childs 4, Wicked Scorchah, 3, Western Maverick- Hurricane Emily, Drew Campbell, David Crochere 5, Mattucci, 3, Western Maverick-Paxxie, Aaron Hall, Valerie Grondin 6, Pembroke Revenge, 3, Baron Biltmore- Pembroke Oasis, Heath Campbell, Valerie Grondin 7, World Wide Express, 3, Rock N` Roll World- Express Ball N, Ron Cushing, Heidi Gibbs 8, So Rock N` Roll, 3, Western Maverick- So So Sweet, Walter Case Jr, Marc Tardif
Saturday’s Cumberland program has two $13,500-plus divisions for 3-year-old pacing fillies, which are slated as races one and nine on the regular card. First post is 3:15 pm.
For more information about the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes, follow our facebook page @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their new website: https://www.mainesirestakes.com
In 1972, the Maine Sire Stakes racing series was created to encourage the breeding and raising of Maine Standardbred horses and to help preserve Maine’s rural economy and open farmland. Maine’s Standardbred Breeders are central to the Sire Stakes racing by providing the quality horses necessary for the races.
Sire Stakes racing is an activity deeply rooted in Maine’s agricultural history. It not only helps protect Maine farmland and agriculture, it preserves a way of life for generations of families as both participants and spectators.
Stakes racing provides a wonderful opportunity for the entire family to participate. Over the summer months the Sire Stakes racing raises awareness and interest in these magnificent athletes by traveling to eight Agricultural fairs as well as Maine’s two commercial tracks.
