Bell, FL — Four qualifying races went postward under sunny skies at Gil Crest Training Center on Saturday (April 12).
Many of Maine’s finest were harnessed and ready for action as the Pine Tree State faithful head north in the coming weeks to prepare for the upcoming Maine Sire Stakes. Trainers Valerie Grondin and Mark Tardif, two well-known fixtures on the Maine circuit, had their charges fit and ready to race.
In the first race, Heath Campbell showed Emma Rozze, a 4-year-old daughter of Artistic Fella, cruised to a length victory for owner-trainer-breeder Valerie Grondin and co-owner William Underhill.
Race two saw owner-trainer-driver Jim McIlmurray score by four lengths with Crypto Currency in 2:02.4. The 5-year-old son of International Moni was bred by Winbak Farm.
Team Tardif hooked up the next two winners.
Two Fold Cold, the undefeated Maine Sire Stakes sophomore pacing champion of 2024, took a five-length victory tour of the Gil Crest oval in a snappy 1:59.3, the fastest race of the day, with Doug Gray in the sulky. The 4-year-old son of Deuce Seelster earned $140,772 last season with an unblemished 12-for-12 record for owner-trainer Tardif and breeders Gary and Kristina Hall.
The finale was won by another Tardif stalwart in Deal With It Roman, who scored in 2:01.2 by a measured length. Driven by Steve LaCasse, the 6-year-old son of Western Maverick was bred and is owned and trained by Tardif.