June 2, 2021 – by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photos)
CUMBERLAND, ME – Veteran driver Dave Ingraham needed a little luck and a little racing room to avenge his previous loss in the $6,000 Winners Over top pacing class at Cumberland.
On May 18, in his first start back since shipping north from Pompano, Rocksapatriot finished second to Tuesday’s (June 1) betting favorite Airspinder. But, after the latter got caught behind a tiring Twomacsoneshadow going to the three-quarters (1:27.2/:28) and forced three-wide, Ingraham found racing room and ducked off the pylons in the final turn and brushed the 6-year-old son of Rockincam home in 1:57.
Pacesetter Bet On Joe (Mike Stevenson) held on for second, Airspinder (Drew Campbell) was third.
Rocksapatriot picked up his 16th win of his career, which has accounted for $109,198 in earnings. This was his 3rd victory of the season, the fastest of which was a 1:53 romp at the Pomp.
The result of a father and son collaboration, Rocksapatriot was bred by Stephen Farrell Jr of Friendship, Maine and is now owned by Stephen Farrell, Ocala, Florida. He is trained by Kelly Case, and paid $6.40 to win.
59-year-old Ingraham has 7,662 victories in a driving career that is entering its fifth decade, and is closing in on $30 million in winnings.
The swiftest orbit of the day was fueled by Prince Galaxy and Matt Athearn. The 5-year-old son of Real Desire stopped the clock in 1:56.3 to pick up his first win of the season. Trained by Gretchen Athearn, he is owned by Joan Harmon and Michael Foley. Prince Galaxy paid a princely sum of $39.80 to win.
Both Dan Deslandes and Drew Campbell had driving doubles on the card, and they sit at second and fifth in the driver’s standings, respectively. Bruce Ranger still leads the pack with 17 trips to the Cumberland winners circle.
Racing from Cumberland is presented LIVE each Tuesday and Saturday, through July 31, with a NEW post time of 2:30 pm. For more information go to our website: firsttrackscumberland.com
Follow us on Facebook at @FirstTracksCumberland.
