June 30, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photo)
CUMBERLAND, ME – Fans showed Maine harness racing some love on Friday (June 30) at First Tracks Cumberland with an all-time record handle of $265,000. In addition, trainer-driver Ivan Davies swept both $14,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-olds, with both trotters being bred by the late Mike Andrew, sired by Boy Band and owned by Anita Anastosopolous.
The early $14,502 non-wagering event witnessed Davies cruising toward the front with his sophomore filly Wild Ending, while navigating several breakers to finally capture the lead past the 33.2 opening panel. With a snappy 1:03.4 half, Davies had put 8 lengths between himself and the rest of the field. Last week’s winner She’salilbitmouthy (Aaron Hall) caught the field at the 1:36.2 third panel, after an earlier miscue just past the start.
As the field turned for home Davies let out another notch and cruised to victory in 2:06.2, with a final quarter in 30 seconds flat. It was the first lifetime victory for Wild Ending who is also trained by Ivan Davies. She’salilbitmouthy finished second; Another Adventure (Kevin Switzer Jr.) was third.
A little over an hour later Ivan Davies came right back to capture the $14,641 Maine Sire Stakes 3-year-old colt and gelding trot with Wabanaki in 2:01.1.
As the wings folded all the boys behaved, putting six sophomore trotters into contention through the tight Cumberland first turn. Davies and Wabanaki (3-1) benefitted from pylon position and held sway through the bend and onto the backstretch. Stealin Money (Nick Graffam, 6-1) tracked closely in second, with Outlawofthevalley (Kevin Switzer Jr, 2-1) in third.
Davies and Wabanaki continued to call the shots at the 1:00.3 half, but when the leader hit the third panel in 1:30.4, Outlawofthevalley pulled first over to make a bid for the top. However Davies had other ideas as he and the son of Boy Band used that cue to quicken the pace. When the pair hit the head of the stretch Wabanaki drifted out, but had sufficient distance on the field to score by 3-1/2 lengths at the wire.
Wabanak paid $8.20 to win for owner Anita Anastosopolous. Stealin Money finished second, Pembroke Traveler was third.
The $6,000 overnight feature was captured by Broadway Giant in 2:00 for driver Bruce Ranger. He paid $12.80 to win for owner-trainer Ron Patoine.
Reliable sources confirm that the $265,000 total handle for Friday’s card at Cumberland was the largest handle wagered in the state of Maine in over four decades. The previous high was $191,000 set on December 26, 2022.
Dave Ingraham and Kevin Switzer Jr. each won three races on the 13-race card.
Saturday’s (July 1) program carries 11 races, plus two early $15,209 non-wagering Maine Sire Stakes events for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings. In addition, the Maine Amateur Driving Club is slated as race 9. As always, this series is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of Windham and North Yarmouth, Maine.
The wagering menu always includes a 50 cent trifecta in every race, as well as the standard collection of lucrative wagers with low 16% takeouts scattered throughout the card.
Cumberland will offer Belmont viewing and programs, as well as all the pertinent wagering options every Saturday.
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. Be sure to follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/
