The Pine Tree State’s two-year-old colt and gelding pacers opened up the Maine Sire Stakes at the Skowhegan State Fair on Monday, Aug. 12 with trainer Marc Tardif sweeping both $22,000-plus divisions.
The "Tardif Taskforce" came to Skowhegan loaded for bear as the stable had a total of seven horses in the pair of non-wagering events held at 12:30 p.m., before the regular card.
The undefeated colt Massive Speed (pictured above) racked up win number five by taking the first division in a 2:04.2 wire-to-wire romp. Bred by Laurie Harding, the son of Dudes The Man has enjoyed a flawless season thus far for owner Leighton Property. Scoring from the outermost post six by 1-1/4 lengths while sprinting home in :28.4, he was driven by Walter Case Jr. and now has $44,446 in earnings. Tardif trainee Just Afternight (Kevin Switzer Jr.) finished second and Gracies Tough Guy (Dave Ingraham) was third.
Dawn Two Dark had two previous second-place finishes when he went behind the gate in the second division of the Maine Sire Stakes, and emerged a maiden no more. Driven by Andy Harrington, Dawn Two Dark came from off the pace in a first-over move to race uncovered through the final circuit. Gaining ground with every stride, Dawn Two Dark was able to catch pacesetter This Dudes Perfect (Heath Campbell) and nip him at the wire in 2:03.3, a new lifetime mark. Also owned by Tardif, Dawn Two Dark's :28.3 final quarter was enough to get up in the final strides and prevail by a quarter length. Bred by Gary and Kristina Hall, the son of Deuce Seelster has now earned $20,755 in just three starts. Tardiff’s Ella V Dude (Switzer) finished third.
Moving ahead with the sophomore pacers on Tuesday, Aug. 13, representatives of the Maine Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association Board of Directors, in agreement with the Maine State Harness Racing Commission, have authorized a $3,500 USD base purse increase for all divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes. This raises each event’s purse structure to $18,500 USD, plus starting fees.
The Maine Sire Stakes continues throughout the week at the Skowhegan State Fair featuring two divisions of two-year-old pacing colts and geldings on Tuesday under the lights with a 6:30 p.m. early race and the 7 p.m. opener. On Wednesday, the fair will host the three-year-old pacing fillies. The Maine-bred action continues into the weekend on Aug. 16 and 17.
(With files from Maine Sire Stakes)