November 13, 2023 – by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Ron Patoine’s Broadway Giant added another victory to his ever-growing win column on Sunday (Nov. 12) at Cumberland, scoring for the second time in as many weeks.

Driven by Bruce Ranger, the 9-year-old son of Broadway Hall left from pylon position with several speedy trotters leaving swiftly for position outside of him.  One horse in a hurry went off stride, leaving Mister Muscle (Aaron Hall) to take command and put the 4-5 favorite into the two-hole.  Wasting little time while heading to the 29.1 opening panel, Ranger pulled the pocket to take the lead.

Following a softer :59.3 second stanza Ranger continued to show the way with Broadway Giant as Little Macabee (Drew Campbell) pulled first over down the backside and into a 1:29.2 third quarter.  Rounding the final turn Little Macabee had dead aim on the leader and was poised to pounce.  But Broadway Giant found another gear and held off the would-be spoiler to prevail by half of a length in 2:00.1 to take the featured opener, a $5,500 conditioned trot.

Owned and trained by Ron Patoine, it was the eighth win of the year for Broadway Giant, and the fourth victory of his last five outings.  He paid $3.80 to win and increased his seasonal earnings to $27,910.  Mister Muscle finished third.

In the winter season’s second leg of the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) owner-trainer-driver McKenzie Sowers scored for the second week in a row with her own Penney’s Spirit in 2:00.2.  Making a bold three-wide move down the backside, the 14-year-old son of Ring Of Life rang the bell again, paying $14.40 to win.  Canbec Kingkazimir (Todd Whitney) finished second; Led Schneppelin (Jason Bertolini) was third.

The MADC series is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of Windham and North Yarmouth, Maine. 

Drew Campbell, Aaron Hall and Bruce Ranger each won two races on the car, with trainer Randy Bickmore picking up a pair as well.  With statistics going back to the beginning of the year, Bruce Ranger leads all reinsmen with 58 victories, followed by Kevin Switzer Jr. (53), Nick Graffam (41), Drew Campbell (40) and Aaron Hall (39).

Racing continues at Cumberland Raceway on Saturday (Nov. 18) with an 11 am post time.  First Tracks Cumberland in Maine races Saturday and Sunday throughout the month of November and will transition to three days each week (adding Fridays) beginning December 1 and continuing through Christmas Eve, 2023.

For the third season in a row First Tracks Cumberland will present the Au Revoir Retirement Showcase, slated for Saturday, December 23.  The event is open to 14-year-old horses that are racing or retired and have Maine connections.  Horses will parade in front of the fans in either harness or halter and be featured in a half-page bio with photograph in the program.  Equine honorees must be present to participate and must ‘declare’ by Dec. 6.  To enter your horse, or for more information, send an Email of interest to Chris Tully at: tullytrot@yahoo.com.

For more information go to our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/

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