April 21, 2024, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Up-and-coming driver Hunter Lofthus provided Polyester with a patient steer to capture the meet’s second $5,000 Maine Amateur Driving event by half the length of the stretch at Cumberland on Saturday (April 20).

When the wings folded Benson Merrill pushed the 8-5 favorite Southwind Terror out to the lead from post 3, with Led Schneppelin (Jason Bertolini) ducking in the two-hole and I’ll Call U Later (Derick Howes) settling in third.

As the field passed the quarter-mile marker in 29 seconds, the leader Southwind Terror had gained a three-length advantage on the pack.  Track announcer Mike Cushing noted that ‘Benson Merrill had his hands full,’ when the duo entered the stretch going to the 59.4 half.  Positions had not changed, but the group had tightened up a bit with Putnam’s Storm (Bob Nadeau) moving first over from fourth, with Polyester right on his helmet in the outer flow and revving up in fifth.

When the fray had reached the 1:30 third stanza Lofthus, who had been three-wide on the backside since the paddock drawgate, had overtaken Putnam’s Storm and then the leader Southwind Terror.  By the time they hit the final turn Lofthus had the 4-year-old mare by Dude’s The Man on top by four, and looking for more.

Leaving the field in their wake, the dominant pair added separation with every stride, tripping the timer in 1:59.4 and prevailing by 16 lengths.  Owned and trained by Jamie Gerard, Polyester paid $6.00 to win for the first time this season, and for the 9th time in her career.  Her lifetime earnings are now $74,924.

I’ll Call U Later got up in the final strides for second, and is also trained by Jamie Gerard.  CBF Bantam (David Crochere) was third.  The weekly event is faithfully sponsored by the good people at Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine.

The $6,000 featured race of the day was captured by Second Bruiser in 1:58.2.  Driven by Drew Campbell for owner-trainer Eric Bickmore, the favorite paid $3.80 to win the conditioned pace by a half-length over Drinka Beer (Andy Harrington).  Lexus Witha View A (Nick Graffam) was third.

Kevin Switzer Jr. enjoyed his second hat trick in a row, winning three on the Saturday card.  Drivers Drew Campbell, Nick Graffam and Dan Deslandes all picked up driving doubles.

Racing resumes at First Tracks Cumberland on Friday (April 26).  The Spring/Summer meet will continue throughout the Spring and early Summer months with regular racing on Friday and Saturday each weekend during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 3.

For additional information, visit our website at firsttrackscumberland.com, or find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/