May 15, 2021 – by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – Driver Mike Stevenson left alertly with Caulfield, set the tempo, and enjoyed a wire-to-wire victory in the $6,000 Winners Over Trot, out-stepping favorite Awol Hanover (McGwire Sowers) to capture the feature race in 2:02h at Cumberland on Saturday (May 15) afternoon.

Bet down to 7-5 under sunny skies and temps in the mid-70s, the ultra-consistent 9-year-old son of Kadabra has only missed the board in one start this season, winning three of six with two third-place finishes in 2021.  Owned by George Tzikas and trained by Bob Marston, Caulfield has amassed over $372,000 in earnings with 24 wins lifetime.  The classy campaigner has been 1-2-3 in over half of his 156 career starts.  Caufield paid $4.80 to win.

Bruce Ranger enjoyed a driving double on today’s card, which including giving Ira Chief an encore appearance in the winner’s circle.  The 12-year-old son of Chief Silverheels has enjoyed back-to-back victories at the fledgling Cumberland meet, taking the first of today’s three $4,500 divisions of NW3500L5 pacing class in 1:57.3h.

Ira Chief is owned by Dianne Whittemore and is trained by Dennis Whittemore.  He paid $4.40 to win.

Ranger’s second win came with another horse that won on opening day, Shady Secret A.  Despite a jump up in class and drawing post seven, the 8-year-old daughter of Shadyshark Hanover moved first over from the quarter and was parked the rest of the way to win in 1:57.3h, a new seasonal mark. 

Shady Secret A is owned by Grant Owens, trained by Ben Merrill and paid $17.00 to win.

All in all, five horses on today’s card captured back-to-back victories at the new Cumberland race meet.  The youngest was the Sara Gibbs-owned and trained Dreamfair Fantasy.  She, a 3-year-old Bettor’s Delight filly, was driven to victory by Heath Campbell in 2:02.4/29.4.  Dreamfair Fantasy paid $4.40 to win.

Driver Dan Deslandes also had two wins on today’s card, the swiftest of the day was Mighty American N, who won the second $4,500 div. NW3500L5 in 1:56.1h.  The 9-year-old son of American Ideal is owned by Jose Cervantes and was trained by Karl Butterfield.  Mighty American N paid $7.00 to win.