June 2, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photo)
CUMBERLAND, ME – Muscle Gene came from off the pace to capture the opening race trot on Friday (June 2) at Cumberland, with his owner Ron Cushing in the bike. Trained by Heidi Gibbs, the 5-year-old son of Musclesprinctonian tripped the timer in a swift 2:00.1, giving the husband and wife team their first win of the season with the horse.
At the start, 19-1 longshot Commemorative (Drew Campbell) was anxious to leave and grabbed the top in just a few strides. Wally Watson pushed his charge Mackworthy toward the front end, albeit briefly, and then slipped into the pocket. With evenly rated opening panels of 30 and 1:00, Watson pulled Mackworthy out of the garden spot to challenge for the lead while heading to the three-quarter marker.
Past a 1:29.3 third panel Mackworthy took command and tried valiantly to gain some separation on the field around the final turn, while 1-5 heavy favorite Muscle Gene moved from his position in fourth to make his presence known. By the head of the stretch Cushing had Muscle Gene in full flight and had reduced the leader’s margin to two lengths.
Trotting up a storm down the stretch, Muscle Gene caught Mackworthy at the shadow of the wire, much to the relief of his many backers. It was the tenth lifetime victory for Muscle Gene, who paid $2.60 to win the $4,800 conditioned trot by a measured length. Commemorative hung on for third.
The swiftest race of the day was captured by Tonianne, winning the $5,000 FM conditioned pace in 1:56.4. Driven by Nick Graffam for trainer James Dunn, the 5-year-old Somebeachsomewhere mare is the property of distinguished local horse owner Linwood Higgins. She paid $4.60 to win the 21st start of her career.
Immediately following the fourth race, lightning strikes moved into the area and took out the electrical power to the region, resulting in a cancellation of the remainder of the program.
Saturday’s (June 3) card carries eleven races, and his headlined by the popular Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC), which is scheduled for race four. Now in its fifth week, Jason Bertolini (driving his trusty steed Led Schneppelin) will look to redeem his sole defeat in the last edition. The series is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine. Also on the card are two $5,500 features, a trot and pace, for some of the faster horses on the grounds.
Looking ahead to next week, Cumberland will offer live viewing and wagering on the $1,500,000 Belmont Stakes from New York City. Saturday, June 10th marks the 155th renewal of the third and final jewel of the Thoroughbred Triple Crown, which is a mile and a half test of endurance and stamina. This year also celebrates the 50th anniversary of Secretariat’s world record and Triple Crown winning performance. Cumberland will offer flats programs, as well as all the applicable wagering options.
Live harness racing continues at Cumberland throughout the Spring and early Summer months with regular racing on Friday and Saturday each weekend. First post is slated for 3:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 5.
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