The Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes (MSBS) wrapped up their week-long meet at the Skowhegan Fair, with the glamour boys vying for two $18,000-plus divisions on Saturday (Aug. 20).
In the first division, Use Yah Blinkah scored with a wire-to-wire effort to grab the lion’s share of the $18,002 purse for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings, tripping the timer in 1:56.3 and giving himself a new lifetime record in the process.
Driven by Heath Campbell for trainer Valerie Grondin, the son of Western Maverick picked up his third MSBS victory in a row and has emerged as the new leader of that division. Owned and bred by David Thibault, Paul Vacca, Ed Nowak Jr. and Jim Hardy, the ultra-consistent pacer has been 1-2-3 in 10 of 12 seasonal outings.
Former point leader Deal With It Roman (Kevin Switzer Jr.) finished second and Ranaldi (Ron Cushin) was third.
In the second $18,227 MSBS division, also a non-wagering event, Bandolito Blaze assumed a leadership role and blazed a path for his challengers to follow.
Leaving from post five, the three-year-old son of Western Maverick went right to the top and never looked back for driver Heath Campbell, scoring in 1:57.3 for trainer/breeder and co-owner Valerie Grondin (with Rhoda Underhill). The race time established a new lifetime best for Bandolito Blaze, who picked up his second victory of the year.
Stormin Maverick (Andy Harrington) was placed second and Daughtry (Ron Cushing) was placed third for interference.
On Thursday (Aug. 18), Pembroke Legacy (pictured above) pushed her win streak to seven as the three-year-old filly is yet to be headed in Maine-sired competition.
Leaving from pylon position in the $18,086 first pari-mutuel twilight race for sophomore distaffs, the daughter of Baron Biltmore was wide through the first turn, but got every call for driver Heath Campbell and won by 2-1/2 lengths in 2:00.1. She paid $2.20 to win as the heavy favourite.
The victory led the way for a near sweep of the three-year-old MSBS pacing events for the team of Campbell and Grondin, who trains Pembroke Legacy for owner/breeder Bill Varney,
CMF Fin (Dave Ingraham) finished second and Threetimessix (Shawn Thayer) was third.
The second $18,086 MSBS division for three-year-old pacing fillies was captured by the streaking Wolverina, who earned her fifth straight Maine stakes win in 2:00.
Driven by Aaron Hall for trainer/breeder/co-owner Mike Graffam (with Bill Arnold), the daughter of Cheyenne Hollywood led every step of the way to win by 4-1/2 lengths and paid $3 to win.
Sweet Baby G (Walter Case Jr.) finished second and Um Erika (Andy Harrington) was third.
The Maine Breeders Stakes takes a one week hiatus and then returns to the Windsor Fair starting next Saturday (Aug. 27) with the trotting groups. The meet continues through Sept. 5 with some divisions racing twice.
The remaining MSBS fair schedule is as follows: Farmington, Sept. 18 – 21; Cumberland, Sept. 28 – Oct. 1 (two-year-old finals); and Fryeburg, Oct. 6 – 8.
The Maine-sired sophomore finale returns to Bangor for all of the three-year-old MSBS divisional finals on Oct. 15. The two-year-old championships will be held two weeks earlier on Saturday (Oct. 1) at the Cumberland Fair.
(With files from Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes)