Lifetime mark taken in Maine Sire Stakes

CUMBERLAND, ME – A single $16,171 division of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old harness racing pacing fillies opened the card on Saturday (July 20) at Cumberland Raceway, with the Graffam’s Chasing Dudes (Dude’s The Man) leading the charge.

Discounted at 10-1 in lieu of previous winners, she led every call as driver Nick Graffam cruised through moderate fractions of 30.1, 1:02.4 and then a swifter 1:32.3 third panel.

Around the final turn Whisper Of Luck (Kevin Switzer Jr.-Marc Tardif) took aim at the leader and was first up and applying ample pressure.  While the pacesetter was able to gain some separation at the head of the stretch, the pursuer tracked her down and got to within a quarter length at the wire.

Chasing Dudes prevailed in 2:03.1, a new lifetime mark as well as her first career victory.  Trained and co-owned by Mike Graffam, she was bred and is also co-owned by leading conditioner Bob Marston.  The filly paid $22.60 to win.

CHASING DUDES REPLAY

Last week’s victor, Leanne Marie (Mike Cushing-Charlene Cushing) was third.

The Maine Sire Stakes resumes on Thursday (July 25) when the 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers return to Bangor for their annual ‘Fair’ stint.  This is immediately followed by the 3-year-old filly pacers on Friday (July 26) at Cumberland, with all the 2- and 3-year-old trotters on Saturday (July 27).

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting Results

by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes