July 29, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Three $7,000 divisions of the Portland Breakwater Trotting Series were the shining beacon for Friday’s (July 28) 13-race program at Cumberland, lighting the way for eight finalists to compete for a $10,000 final next weekend.

The first split was a wire-to-wire romp for Showme Some Muscle who flexed his way to greater and greater lengths in front of his fellow competitors, showing the way home by 7 lengths in 1:59.3.  Driven by Kevin Switzer Jr. for trainer Candace Brandstatter and owner Seri Reddy, the 5-year-old son of Muscle Mass picked up the twelfth win of his career, but first of the season for his new connections.

Showme Some Muscle paid $4.20 to win.  No Mo Fashion (Walter Case Jr.) finished second; Pembroke Faye (Heath Campbell) was third.

Fit Bitt exercised his right to the front end, where the 6-year-old Muscle Mass gelding was setting the tempo and keeping the rest of the field at bay.  Driven by Aaron Hall for trainer Ralph D’Amelio II, the duo received a little encouragement from second place finisher Prescott (Andy Harrington) down the lane, but ultimately prevailed in 2:01.1. 

Fit Bitt is owned by Mona Dodd and paid $2.60 to win.  Pembroke Honcho (Heath Campbell) finished third.

The third and final leg was another front-end folly for Richsnortherndream who withstood a late bid by favored Maplewood Slugger (John Nason) to score in 2:01 by a quarter length.  Driven by Walter Case Jr. for trainer James Dunn and owner Diane Dunn, the 7-year-old son of Northern Bailey grabbed his first win in just two seasonal starts.  Always A Good Time finished third.

The top two finishers in each of the three legs, plus the two fastest ‘thirds’ that enter will be drawn-in to the final.

Racing resumes Saturday (July 29) with five divisions of the Spring Point Ledge series, each vying for a purse of $6,000.  Also on Saturday is the last seasonal leg of the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC), sponsored by Blue Seal Feeds. 

In addition, the Maine Sires Stakes has two divisions of freshman pacing fillies, racing on the betting program.  First post time is 3:15 pm.

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 pop-up series finals, 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.

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For more information, check out our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/