The fields have been drawn and the connections await the $320,000-plus USD Maine Sire Stakes Freshmen Finals on Saturday, Oct. 3 at the Cumberland Fair with all four divisions vying for over $80,000 USD in purse money.
In the first $80,760 USD final for two-year-old colts and geldings the battle is between Pembroke Zagursky (Heath Campbell) and U Know I Know (Ken Watson). The former has bested the latter in his last two starts, breaking his previously unblemished record.
The third race is the $80,456 USD final for two-year-old trotting fillies with Princess Caledonia (Gary Hall) the likely favourite. Hall also has Mikella Bella entered, with Heath Campbell getting the driving duties.
The fifth race is the $81,016 USD final for two-year-old pacing fillies, led by the Pine Tree State-bred star No Small Wonder (pictured above). The daughter of State Treasurer is unbeaten with eight wins this year. She scores from post five and retains the services of Kevin Switzer Jr.
The sixth race completes the Maine Sire Stakes events with the $81,110 USD final for two-year-old pacing colts and geldings, and features The Gucci Man who has just one defeat in eight seasonal outings. Switzer Jr. will drive the son of Dudes The Man for trainer Marc Tardif.
The Saturday card also carries a $15,000 USD Winners Over Trot, as well as the Harness Hope $5,500 USD All Women Drivers Breast Cancer Awareness Invitational. Track outrider Sherry Cushing will trade her saddle for a harness and compete in the benefit event, along with six other local female teamsters.
(with files from Cumberland)