Cumberland, ME – Maine’s star sophomore pacer Massive Speed captured his 11th consecutive victory in his $17,212 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 Dude’s 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.
Trained by Marc Tardif for owner Leighton Property it was his 21st lifetime victory and brought his career earnings to $213,981. Winning by a measured 1-3/4 lengths, he paid $2.20 as the heavy favorite. Massive Speed was bred in Maine by Laurie Harding.
Dawn Two Dark (Andy Harrington) finished second; Keenan Star (Heath Campbell) was third.
In the other $17,212 division it was all This Dudes Perfect and driver Heath Campbell, who cruised to a comfortable 1-1/4 length wire-to-wire score in 2:03.2.
Trained by Valerie Grondin and owners Lynn-Marie Plouffe (breeder) and Brenda Varney, the son of Dude’s The Man picked up his second win in his last three starts. Returning $7.20, he heads to Fryeburg with $28,299 in his seasonal kitty.
Ridgecrest Dan (John Nason) finished second; Cheatin Fate (Andy Harrington) was third.
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 noon at the Cumberland Fairgrounds on Friday (Sept. 26) 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, continue with our Pick 4 and Pick 3 toward the end of the program, and concludes with our High-Five Pentafecta in the final race – all with low 16% takeouts.
Always a highlight of the “Always in September” Fair, the Maine Sire Stakes continue at Cumberland with the 3-year-old trotters on Friday.
Once again, Cumberland will host the $300,000 (est.) Maine Sire Stakes 2-year-old finals on Saturday, 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 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 Nov. 2 and then follows a two-day Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the month. December picks up Fridays for three-day weekends of racing through Dec. 21. The annual Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 20.
For additional information, visit our website at firsttrackscumberland.com, or find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/.