July 27, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Shelley Gilpatrick photo: Pembroke Honcho)
CUMBERLAND, ME – Racing Secretary Rob Pennington has penned several lucrative pop-up series, which resulted in full fields throughout the upcoming Friday through Sunday (July 28-July 30) three-day weekend, 37-race extravaganza at First Tracks Cumberland.
Named for many of the scenic maritime attractions in the Pine Tree State, the action begins Friday (July 28) with three $7,000 divisions of the Portland Breakwater Series for conditioned trotters. That event drew 18 horses split into a trifecta of 6-horse fields, races 8, 10 & 12. The top two finishers in each event, plus the two fastest third-place finishers that enter will go for a $10,000 final next weekend.
The powerful Valerie Grondin-Heath Campbell stable leads the charge with Pembroke Faye and Pembroke Honcho as early morning line favorites in their respective splits.
On Saturday (July 29) the Spring Point Ledge series placed 35 pacers into five 7-horse divisions, all vying for a purse of $6,000. Five winners and three of the fastest second-place finishers that enter will advance to an $8,000 final, with a consolation also on the horizon.
Also on Saturday is the final leg of the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC), sponsored by Blue Seal Feeds. The final will go on closing day, for a greatly enhanced purse.
For Sunday (July 30) the Cape Elizabeth series will enjoy two $7,000 divisions of six, with an anticipated final of $10,000 for these filly and mare pacers. In addition, the capstone Portland Head Light series pits 24 of the areas better pacers against one another in three $7,000 splits of eight. Those returning will fight over a $10,000 final prize.
The Maine Sires Stakes also comes to town over the 3-day affair. Friday (July 28) hosts 2- and 3-year-old trotting fillies and 3-year-old pacing fillies. Saturday (July 29) has two divisions of freshman pacing fillies, with the freshmen pacing colts going on Sunday (July 30). All seven of the $14,000-plus divisions are on the weekend’s betting programs. First post time is 3:15 pm for all three days.
Closing day of the Spring-Summer meet is just one week away on August 5, which runs concurrently with Hambletonian Day at the Meadowlands. First Tracks Cumberland is offering the $25,000 Pine Tree Invitational Pace, several of the aforementioned pop-up series with big final purses, as well as a substantial prize for the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) Spring-Summer Final.
Saratoga programs, viewing and wagering are available on the Saturday (July 29) program. Import wagering from both the Saratoga Race Course (flats) and the entire Hambo Day card will also be available on Aug. 5.
For fans there will be a Hambletonian hat giveaway* (with the purchase of a program*) as well as the return of our popular Cumberland Derby. Patrons who enter the contest select a horse in a designated race and will have a chance to win a total of $500 in cash.
Live harness racing continues for the final Summer weekend of racing, which is scheduled for Friday (Aug. 4, 3:15 pm) and Saturday (August 5) with a special early post time of 2:15 pm.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/
For more information, check out our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/
–30—
