July 16, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photos)
CUMBERLAND, ME – Nineteenth Man A moved up to the first string in Saturday’s (July 15) $6,000 featured pace at Cumberland, capturing his third victory in four American starts.
The Aussie immigrant named for the Australian rules football ‘first reserve’ teammate has been no worse than third since arriving stateside in June. The 5-year-old gelding by Captaintreacherous has enjoyed victories at both Cumberland and Bangor for driver and co-owner Ron Cushing and his wife-trainer Heidi Gibbs now that he calls the state of Maine home.
Leaving from post position three, Cushing got right down to business sending Nineteenth Man A right to the top in a 27.4 opening panel. Following a 57.4 half time breather, Cushing continued to show the way through a 1:26 third stanza.
It wasn’t until the final stretch drive that Nineteenth Man A felt any pressure from the first over El Jacko N (Kevin Switzer Jr.-Candace Brandstatter) who pressed hard to catch the pacesetter, albeit unsuccessfully.
Nineteenth Man A prevailed by a quarter length in 1:56 over the would-be spoiler, paying $3.20 as the wagering favorite. Owned by Cushing with partners Kevin Sywyk and Lance Downs, it was his tenth worldwide lifetime victory. Bettor At Hightide (Mike Stevenson-Kevin Switzer) finished third.
Of course, the aforementioned pacers will be looking to punch their ticket to the $25,000 Pine Tree Invitational Pace on August 5. The two top finishers in the $25,000 Fred Nichols at Bangor on July 2 have already been tapped, and racing secretary Rob Pennington is monitoring New England’s other top pacers carefully to select the next invitees.
Driver-trainer David Crochere won his first $4,400 Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) of the year, driving his wife Robyn’s Go All Night Joe to an off-the-pace upset victory.
At the start, Jason Bertolini driving Led Schneppelin left swiftly from post six to get position, and was able to duck in behind the pacesetting Todd Whitney and Quick Fun N who started from the rail. Through fractions of 28.4 and 59.2 Whitney was large and in charge. However, following a 1:29 third panel Bertolini tipped out and ultimately collared Whitney around the final turn and had assumed command. While Bertolini may have thought he was home free, Crochere was waiting to pounce from behind, and swooped them all by getting to the wire first in 2:00.2.
Scoring from the disadvantageous post 8, Crochere lit up the tote board at $65.60 to win. Series point leader Jason Bertolini finished second with his trusty Led Schneppelin; Derek Howes driving Raven Seelster was third. The MADC series is faithfully sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of Windham and North Yarmouth, Maine.
Prior to the official post time, seven freshman Maine-sired pacers took a tour of the Cumberland circuit, with Wes’s Challenge (Walter Case Jr.-Marc Tardif) leading said voyage in a coast-to-coast expedition. The 2-year-old colt by Deuce Seelster had been third in two ‘learn and earn’ baby races, as well as in his first stakes event.
Taking matters into his own hands, in addition to taking the lion’s share of the $14,948 Maine Sire Stakes purse, he also added a 2:02.3 record to his credentials. Bred by Gary and Kristina Hall, he is now the property of Leighton Property. Oakleypopsthedeuce (Dave Ingraham-Kelly Case) finished second; Hesjustadelight (Ron Cushing-Heidi Gibbs) was third.
Closing day of the Spring-Summer meet is less than three weeks away on August 5, which runs concurrently with Hambletonian Day at the Meadowlands. First Tracks Cumberland is offering the aforementioned featured invite, a pop-up series with an increased purse structure, as well as a substantial prize for the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) Spring-Summer Final.
Import wagering from both the Saratoga Race Course (flats) and the entire Hambo Day card will be available.
For fans there will be a Hambletonian hat giveaway, 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 at Cumberland on Saturday (July 22) and then offers a three-day weekend of racing Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 28, 29 & 30. Regular post time is 3:15 pm (EDT). The final Summer weekend of racing is scheduled for Friday (Aug. 4, 3:15 pm) and Saturday (August 5) with a special early post time of 2:15 pm.
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