Cumberland, ME—– The Maine Breeders Stakes wrapped up a week-long meet at the Skowhegan Fair, with the 3-year-old pacing males vying in two 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, 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 11 of 12 seasonal outings.

Former point leader Deal With It Roman (Kevin Switzer Jr./Marc Tardif) finished second; Ranaldi (Ron Cushing/Heidi Gibbs) was third.

In the $18,227 second 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 3-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/Marc Tardif) was placed second; Daughtry (Ron Cushing/Heidi Gibbs) was placed third for interference.

On Thursday (Aug. 18), Pembroke Legacy continued to write her own songbook, as the 3-year-old filly is yet to be headed in Maine-sired competition.

Pembroke Legacy remained undefeated in stakes company. Shelley Gilpatrick photo.

Leaving from the 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. Winning by 2-1/2 lengths in 2:00.1, it was the seventh consecutive victory for Pembroke Legacy. Trained by Valerie Grondin for owner/breeder Bill Varney, she paid $2.20 to win as the heavy favorite.

The victory led the way for a near sweep of the 3-year-old MSBS pacing events for the team of Campbell and Grondin. CMF Fin (Dave Ingraham/David Crochere) finished second; Threetimessix (Shawn Thayer/James Smallwood) was third.

The $18,086 second MSBS division for 3-year-old pacing fillies was captured by Wolverina 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 $3.00 to win.

Sweet Baby G (Walter Case Jr./Fred Ward Jr.) finished second; Um Erika (Andy Harrington/Marc Tardif) 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 (2-year-old finals)
Fryeburg, Oct. 6–8

The Maine-sired sophomore finale returns to Bangor for all of the 3-year-old MSBS divisional finals on Oct. 15. The 2-year-old championships will be held two weeks earlier on Saturday (Oct. 1) at the Cumberland Fair.

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