May 19, 2024, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Joe Shaw photos)
CUMBERLAND, ME – Veteran pacer Lexus Witha View A let his back class shine through to prevail in a photo finish victory in Saturday’s (May 18) $6,000 featured pace at Cumberland Raceway.
The Aussie bred 10-year-old son of Somebeachsomewhere was the most accomplished competitor in the top pacing class at the iconic Southern Maine oval, and coupled with a confident steer by Nick Graffam, the sharp steed returned to his winning ways.
Lexus Witha View A started from post 4 and scampered out for the lead in a 28.1 opening panel. From that point Graffam put his horse on cruise control through a measured tempo of 57.3 to the half with Ry’s Red Rocket (Walter Case Jr.) tracking along closely in second.
When the outer flow materialized Rocksapatriot (Dave Ingraham) began his ascent to catch the favored leader through a 1:26 third panel. As the field turned for home Rocksapatriot dropped a 29.3 final quarter to get to within a nose of Lexus Witha View A, with the latter prevailing in a snappy 1:56.1.
Trained and co-owned by Jamie Gerard with Strategic Racing Stable, it was the 33rd win of his career, boosting his bankroll to $332,041. Lexus Witha View A paid $7.00 to win. Ranaldi (Kevin Switzer Jr.) was third.
Nick Graffam picked up his second win of the day in the finale with Dylan’s Future (1:58, $13.00). In fact, four professional drivers accounted for all the victories in the eight ‘regular’ races with Drew Campbell, Kevin Switzer Jr. and Wally Watson also picking up driving doubles.
The Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) enjoyed two $5,000 divisions on the Preakness Day card, with victories by Benson Merrill driving Bet On Success (1:59.4, $11.20) and Alex Richardson scoring with Jo Pa’s Sweet Lou (2:00.1, $25.60). The MADC is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine.
Speaking of blowing up the tote board, leading reinsman Kevin Switzer Jr. had his second forty-dollar winner on Saturday (May 18). Ironically, it was another sophomore pacer trained by Marc Tardif that slayed his older foes as Arts Flight went from next to last to first in 30 seconds to pick up his first lifetime win and take a 2:00 record. The 3-year-old son of Artistic Fella is also owned by Marc Tardif and was bred in Maine by Lynn-Marie Plouffe. He paid $41.20 to win.
Racing resumes Friday (May 24). First Tracks Cumberland Spring/Summer meet continues 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. Post time is always 3:15 pm.
For additional information, visit our website at firsttrackscumberland.com, or find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/
