Cumberland, ME — While the pari-mutuel meet was winding down over the weekend at the Cumberland Fairgrounds, owners and trainers of Maine Breeders Stakes colts and fillies were also thinking about the road ahead as the Pine Tree State Fair season gets underway.

On Friday (July 23) a lone division of 2-year-old pacing fillies went postward, held before the regular card, carrying a purse of $11,703 for the seven horse field. The leading point earner in the division, Pickmepickme, picked up her second Maine Breeders Stakes triumph for the Tardif Taskforce. Driven to a 2:01.3 victory by Andy Harrington, the daughter of Western Maverick is owned, trained and was bred by Marc Tardif. La Mambacita finished second; Katelyn’s Angel was third.

Saturday’s (July 23) non-wagering events featured two $11,000-plus MSBS races for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings.

Luke McGook now has four victories under his belt for Team Tardif, including three consecutive victories in Maine Breeders Stakes. Saturday’s wire-to-wire romp for driver Kevin Switzer Jr. in 2:02 was the Rock N’ Roll World gelding’s widest margin of victory to date, cruising home by 5-3/4 lengths to grab his half of the $11,433 purse. Luke McGook was bred by Erika Saucier and is now owned by Leighton Property. Stablemate Rockaroundsam finished second, giving trainer Marc Tardif a one-two punch in that division. Two Towns Over was third.

The second $11,609 division went to the other Tardif standout, Twice The Ice, who has also racked up three consecutive MSBS successes. Driven by Walter Case Jr., the 2-year-old colt by Deuce Seelster equaled his seasonal mark of 2:01.4, winning by three parts of a length after being parked to the quarter in :29.2. Twice The Ice was cool under pressure for owner/trainer Marc Tardif, and was bred by Gary and Kristina Hall. Mattucci finished second; Anithingforyoudear was third.

This week Maine Breeders Stakes moves to the Union Fair, with the 2-year-old trotters having raced on Sunday (July 24) and the 3-year-olds racing Tuesday through Thursday.

For more information about the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes, follow our Facebook page @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to the Maine State website.