Maine’s star sophomore pacer Massive Speed captured his 11th consecutive victory in his $23,578 division of the Maine Sire Stakes on Thursday, Sept. 25 at the Cumberland Fair, maintaining his unblemished seasonal record in the penultimate leg.

Driver Aaron Hall put the son of Dudes The Man right on the engine and splashed through all the stations with no threats near or far.  The judges provided for a three-second allowance due to the off-going, yet the local phenom stopped the clock in 2:01.2, establishing the swiftest race of the day. Dawn Two Dark (Andy Harrington) finished second; Keenan Star (Heath Campbell) was third.

Trained by Marc Tardif for owner Leighton Property, Massive Speed picked up his 21st lifetime victory and brought his career earnings to $292,140.  Winning by a measured length and three-quarters, he paid $2.20 as the heavy favourite.  Massive Speed was bred in Maine by Laurie Harding.

In the other $23,578 division it was all This Dudes Perfect and driver Heath who cruised to a comfortable 1-1/4 length wire-to-wire score in 2:03.2. Ridgecrest Dan (John Nason) finished second; Cheatin Fate (Andy Harrington) was third.

Trained by Valerie Grondin and owners Lynn-Marie Plouffe (also the breeder) and Brenda Varney, the son of Dudes The Man picked up his second win in his last three starts.  Returning $7.20, he heads to Fryeburg with $38,786 in his seasonal kitty.

Driver Heath Campbell led all drivers on the nine-race card, visiting the Blue Seal winner's circle on five occasions, including a natural grand slam in races two through five.

Racing resumes at 12 p.m. at the Cumberland Fairgrounds on Friday, Sept. 26, showcasing the three-year-old trotters of the Maine Sire Stakes, with full cards scheduled for the remaining racing dates through Sunday, Sept. 28.

Exotic wagers start with Cumberland’s Pick 5 in the third race, and continues with a Pick 4 and Pick 3 toward the tail end of the program, and concludes with a High-Five Pentafecta in the final race — all with low 16 per cent takeouts.

Once again, Cumberland will host the four $85,000 USD Maine Sire Stakes two-year-old finals on Saturday, Sept. 27, with two freshmen pacers, Real Horrorshow and Snowonthepines, putting their unblemished records on the line in their respective showdowns.

First Tracks will also host the popular Cumberland Derby where fans can enter to win $500 USD in total cash prizes based on their picks and the official order of finish in the designated race.

After the fair, the track’s 18-day Winter Festival begins November 2 and then follows a two-day Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the month of November.  The month of December picks up Fridays for three-day weekends of racing through Dec. 21. The annual Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 20.

(with files from Cumberland)