Maine’s 3yo filly pacers shine at Bangor Fair

BANGOR, ME – The Pine Tree State’s 3-year-old pacing fillies helped kick off Maine’s legendary fair season at Bangor Raceway on Thursday (July 24) with two $11,000-plus harness racing divisions competing in the twilight.

In the first $11,701 division Chasing Dudes (8-5, Andy Harrington) blasted out to the lead from the outside, followed closely by Glorilla (15-1, Aaron Hall) who ducked quickly into the garden spot.

The field remained in single file fashion through the :30 quarter.  However, McGwire Sowers (29-1) tipped Dude’s Treasure from fifth while heading into the 1:01.4 half, which flushed the cover of wagering favorite Leanne Marie (3/5, Mike Cushing).

With the favorite ranging up swifty, Leanne Marie was able to duck into the two hole left by a gapping Glorilla, as Dude’s Treasure continued her uncovered journey through the 1:31.2 third panel.

Around the final turn an advancing Dude’s Treasure was closing the gap on the pacesetting Chasing Dudes, and then jumped off stride, giving the favored Leanne Marie plenty of room to tip out and roll down the stretch a half-length victor in 2:01.3.

LEANNE MARIE REPLAY

Driven by Mike Cushing for trainer Charlene Cushing and owners/breeders Pamela Smith, Jane DiPompo and Charlene Cushing, the daughter of Artistic Fella picked up her third stakes win of the season, paying $3.20 to win.  Her seasonal winnings are now $23,682, and she leads the division in the point standings.

Chasing Dudes hung on for second; Glorilla finished third.

In the second $11,702 division for sophomore sidestepping distaffs, it was a cavalry charge down to the wire with a blanket finish and just a quarter length separating the first three fillies.

At the start the favorite Dudes Pretty Chick (7-2, Heath Campbell) went out for early position along with Wishin For Kisses (4-1, Sowers) who ultimately took command.  Through the first turn Dudes Pretty Chick made a break causing confusion among trailing horses and ducked inside pylons.

Wishin For Kisses brought the field through the :29.4 opening panel with Audry (5-2, Steve Wilson) sitting second and Moonbeam Magic (14-1, Dave Ingraham) third.

While heading past the midway point in 1:01.2, Kevin Switzer moved first up with Thinkin Bout Life (3-1), followed by Dudes Pretty Chick who regained her composure.  They battled down the backside the final time, with the outer flow gaining ground into a 1:32.1 third panel.

With the pacesetter calling it a day, Thinkin Bout Life was rallying down the lane with Dudes Pretty Chick alongside and Moonbeam Magic looking swoop on the far outside.

Under the dusk of sunset Thinkin Bout Life prevailed by a tight quarter length in 2:04.2, with Moonbeam Magic getting up for second and Dudes Pretty Chick hanging on for third…all within a quarter length.

THINKIN BOUT LIFE REPLAY

Driven by Kevin Switzer Jr. for trainer/owner/breeder Marc Tardif, it was the second consecutive victory for the daughter of Dude’s The Man, increasing her seasonal total to $17,371.  She paid $8.80 for the score.

Looking ahead on Friday (July 25), Cumberland hosts two $11,623 divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings.  Saturday (July 26) all the Maine-bred trotters converge upon Cumberland for six $11,000-plus divisions for both 2- and 3-year-olds of both genders. Sunday’s (July 27) special 12 noon card welcomes two $11,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old filly pacers.

For more information about the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes, follow our facebook page @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website:  https://www.mainesirestakes.com

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes