July 28, 2024, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – All four $15,000-plus divisions of Maine-sired trotters invaded Cumberland Raceway on Saturday (July 27) with several divisions captured by the usual suspects, yet others seeing some fresh faces emerge.

In the pari-mutuel $16,378 Maine Sire Stakes opener Whatawonder had fans cheering ‘What a horse!’

With no equine able to reach his bridle, as of yet, the son of Whataworkout romped and stomped to victory for the fourth consecutive time.  Driven by Kenneth Watson for trainer Lisa Watson and owner Barbara Lawson, the heretofore undefeated gelding has never seen the back of a helmet. 

Scoring in 2:07 in another wire-to-wire training mile, Liberty’s Wildcard (Kevin Switzer Jr.) got to within a half of a length at the wire, which has been the closest that any other foe has ever gotten to him.

Whatawonder paid $3.00 to win.  Stablemate Katahdin Victor (Wally Watson) finished third.

Next up were the freshmen fillies going for $16,341, with the even-money favorite Katahdin Mistress (Wally Watson) slow to get engaged.  The first leave was Blizzard’s Fury (Swizter) who sent the daughter of Whataworkout right to the top in a 31.1 opening panel. 

Ranging up on the outside following her earlier hesitation was Katahdin Mistress to challenge for the lead.  From that point the pair raced ‘European style’ being stuck first over into a 1:03.1 half.  While the field bunched up going into the 1:34.2 third panel, Katahdin Mistress got shut out of the two-hole and continued to take in that fresh Maine air.

Employing a second over move was Heath Campbell driving Pandemic Princess who swooped the other combatants and had just Blizzard’s Fury to catch.  Andy Harrington hustled Barbella three-wide in similar fashion to lap the tiring aggressors.

At the wire Blizzard’s Fury held off the late charges to prevail in 2:06 by half a length.  Trained by Marc Tardif for owner-breeder Leighton Property, it was the filly’s first lifetime victory.  She paid $15.00 to win.

Pandemic Princess finished second; Barbella was third.

Before the regular card there were two divisions for Maine-sired sophomore trotters, with Chipper Dale repeating in his $15,983 3-year-old colt and gelding trot in 2:04.4.  Driven by Drew Campbell for trainer Valerie Grondin has emerged as the leader of the pack and has added considerable padding to his top point total.  The son of Shake It Off Lindy now has three Maine Sire Stakes victories on the season for owner-breeder Lynn-Marie Plouffe.

It was a Grondin double as Pembroke Will (Heath Campbell) finished second; Carrabassett (Mark Athearn) was third.

The fairer set completed the quartet of Maine Sire Stakes, with Pembroke Breeze (Heath Campbell) taking the $15,983 sophomore filly trot in 2:03.2.  Trained by Valerie Grondin for owner-breeder William Varney, the daughter of Pembroke Slugger has won her last four stakes outings and is the clear leader of her division.

Twisted Venture (Mike Cushing) finished second; My Saving Grace (Mark Athearn) was third.

In other news, the undisputed and still heavyweight points champion of the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC), Hunter Lofthus scored another knockout blow to his competition.  Despite being assigned the eight-hole, the 35-year-old reinsman picked up his seventh win of the season and scored again with his trusty steed Forrest Blu.  Winning by 3-1/2 lengths in 1:59 following a first over past at the half, they paid $4.00 to win.  The MADC is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine.

Drew Campbell picked up three driving wins on the afternoon’s full program.

The First Tracks Cumberland meet concludes next week on Friday and Saturday, August 2 & 3.  The final day of the meet features the $25,000 Pine Tree Invitational Pace, as well as full card simulcasting of Hambletonian Day at the Meadowlands and Whitney Stakes Day at Saratoga.  Gates open at 11 am, with the first pari-mutuel harness race set for 3:15 pm.

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

July 27, 2024, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Fresh off her track record-equaling performance Gowestyoungrace overpowered her foes at Cumberland on Friday (July 26) to win her third consecutive Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing fillies.

In the first of two $16,000-plus divisions of the Maine-sired series driver Dave Ingraham allowed the early speed to roll out on top while taking and all-so-brief respite.  The first to leave was Who’s Perfect (5-2, Heath Campbell), who was immediately followed by My Sweet Revenge (7-1, Kevin Switzer Jr.) into a 28.4 second opening panel.

While marching into the 59.1 half Ingraham had Gowestyounggrace first over around the second turn and cleared as the field passed the stands for the second time.  On top and in control through the 1:28.1 third panel Gowestyounggrace had Who’s Perfect glued to her helmet with My Sweet Revenge tipping to the outside to challenge around the final turn.

The 1-5 favorite found another gear as they turned for home, sprinting away to win by a comfortable 2-length margin in 1:58.  The heavy 1-5 favorite paid just $2.60 to win.

Conditioned by Fred Ward Jr., who owns and bred with his wife Sharon Ward, the daughter of Western Maverick-Gracie Gracie has won half of her eight seasonal outings.

Who’s Perfect finished second; My Sweet Revenge was third. 

In the second $16,421 division of the Maine Sire Stakes for sidestepping sophomore distaffs, it was another favorite that triumphed in front-end fashion.

It was a three-horse cavalry charge into the first turn with Ghost of You (3-5, Switzer) taking command from Animore Sass (6-1, Andy Harrington) and Mrs Foxy Roxy (7-1, Drew Campbell).  Switzer had things his own way and was able to back down from the 28.4 opening panel to a more pedestrian 1:00.1 half.

At the 1:30.2 third panel the pace had quickened as Harrington pulled the pocked with Animore Sass and poked a head in front as the battling stable mates led the field through the final turn. Ghost Of You emerged the leader at the head of the stretch and was able to fend off the kinetic momentum of Animore Sass to prevail by three parts of a length in 2:01.

Trained by Marc Tardif for owner-breeder Leighton Property, the daughter of Deuce Seelster secured her first Maine Sire Stakes victory of the season.

Pembroke Red (Heath Campbell-Valerie Grondin) recovered from an early miscue to get up for third.

‘Double Digit’ Dave Ingraham picked up the middle of his driving triple in the $7,000 Chickadee Pop-Up Series Trot, scoring with Guinness in 2:02.4 while paying a whopping $84.20 to win.  Aaron Hall also enjoyed a teamster trifecta.  The meet’s leading driver, Kevin Switzer Jr., also had a double, as did Drew Campbell.  Trainer Jamie Gerard harnessed a pair of winners.

Looking ahead to Saturday (July 27), Cumberland sees the return of all the Maine-sired trotters for their next round of Maine Sires Stakes action.  Two early, non-wagering races start the day with the sophomore trotters, post time is 2:15 pm.  Then the regular card kicks off with two $16,000-plus divisions for freshmen trotters, as well as a $5,000 division of the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC).  The MADC is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine.  The rest of the 13-race program features additional pop-up series with increased $6,000-$7,000 purses.

The First Tracks Cumberland meet concludes next week on Friday and Saturday, August 2 & 3.  The final day of the meet features the $25,000 Pine Tree Invitational Pace, as well as full card simulcasting of Hambletonian Day at the Meadowlands and Whitney Stakes Day at Saratoga.  Gates open at 11 am, with the first pari-mutuel harness race set for 3:15 pm.

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

July 26, 2024, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Friday’s (July 26) card at Cumberland features two $16,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing fillies, with points leader Gowestyounggrace drawing in against second place lass Who’s Perfect.

These two top fillies have avoided each other in their last two starts, where both gals have come away the victor in their respective divisions.  However, this week the Valerie Grondin-trained Who’s Perfect (9-5, Heath Campbell) drew pylon position, with Fred Ward’s Gowestyounggrace (7-5, Dave Ingraham) scoring from post four in the five-horse field opener.

It would be a stretch to say that this is a battle for divisional supremacy as the sophomore series is entering week 5 of a 12 round title bout, not including the final.  However, these two talented distaffs have danced every dance, and are separated by just 12 points.  The point system is based upon the purse percentages, 50-25-12-8-5, which means that whichever pacer wins this race will be the ‘top gun.’

The second $16,421 division will give a new filly a chance at a stakes victory, as none of those entrants have heretofore been victorious.  ‘Trackman’ selections indicate Ghost Of You as the 9-5 favorite from post four.  Driven by Kevin Switzer Jr. for trainer Marc Tardif, she will look to break the 2:00 record barrier this week.  The second choice is Pembroke Red, who has been installed at 2-1 and leaves from post one with Heath Campbell driving for trainer-partner Valerie Grondin.

Race secretary Rob Pennington has penned several pop-up series for the final two weekends of racing at the iconic Southern Maine oval.  Complete with catchy names and plump purses, the various TrackMaster and conditioned events pepper the entire weekend’s programs of full fields.

Friday’s (July 26) 13-race card (post time 3:15 pm) includes all of the track’s regular betting options, including 50-cent Pick-5 (races 3-7); 50-cent Pick-4 (races 10-13); 50-cent Pick 3 (races 11-13), all with a low 16-percent take out.

Looking ahead to Saturday (July 27), Cumberland sees the return of all the Maine-sired trotters for their next round of Maine Sires Stakes action.  Two early, non-wagering races start the day with the sophomore trotters, post time is 2:15 pm.  Then the regular card kicks off with two $16,000-plus divisions for freshmen trotters, as well as a $5,000 division of the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC).  The MADC is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine.  The rest of the 13-race program features additional pop-up series with increased $6,000-$7,000 purses.

The First Tracks Cumberland meet concludes next week on Friday and Saturday, August 2 & 3.  The final day of the meet features the $25,000 Pine Tree Invitational Pace, as well as full card simulcasting of Hambletonian Day at the Meadowlands and Whitney Stakes Day at Saratoga.  Gates open at 11 am, with the first pari-mutuel harness race set for 3:15 pm.

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

July 20, 2024, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Maine-bred Katelyn’s Angel put on quite a show for the 20-plus Camp Kippewa equine enthusiasts on hand for their eponymous event on Friday (July 19) at Cumberland.  Not only did the 4-year-old daughter of Western Maverick take a new 1:55.4 lifetime mark with Bruce Ranger in the bike, but her clocking just a tick off the track record.

Blasting out to lead and clearing just after the 28.1 opening panel, Ranger kept up the hot pace on the front end into a 57.3 half and an eye-popping 1:25.4 third panel.  From that point it was smooth sailing for the speedy duo as they cruised home by 3-1/4 lengths to the wild cheers of the Camp Kippewa assembly.

Immediately following the race the winning connections were engulfed by a swarm of campers, all eager to get their picture taken with the horse and driver.  The Camp Kippewa kids are known for their homemade signs and wild cheers for the horses as they trot and/or pace down the homestretch.

The group hails from the Kippewa Equestrian Academy (KEA), which is located in Monmouth (Maine), and offers a 12-day fully immersive equestrian experience for girls who want to improve their riding skills and expand their equine knowledge.  The camp has been in existence since 1957 and is located on the historic Woolworth estate, which produced some of the best Standardbred pacers and trotters in the country.

Trained by Benson Merrill for owner-breeder Leighton Property-Lesly Leighton, it was the mare’s 15^th lifetime victory.  She paid $4.20 to win.  South St Dottie (Nick Graffam) finished second; Morethanmyhometown (Garrett Mosher) was third.

In the following race some of the Pine Tree State’s best older trotters met in the $6,000 featured conditioned trot.  Power Mitt was sent right to the top by Kevin Switzer Jr. and never looked back as the 5-year son of Explosive Matter soared home a winner in 1:58.3.  Trained by Bob Marston for owner Dana Goding, it was his fifth win of the season, paying $4.40.

Inquiring Mind (Dave Ingraham) finished second; Replica Hanover (Mark Athearn) was third.

Driver Bruce Ranger enjoyed three wins on the program, with Dave Ingraham, Nick Graffam and Kevin Switzer Jr. all picking up doubles.  Trainers Bob Marston and Mike Graffam each harnessed a pair of winners.

Looking ahead to Saturday (July 20), Cumberland sees the return of the 2-year-old pacing fillies for their third round of Maine Sires Stakes action.  The field is led by last week’s winner Leanne Marie (8-5, Mike Cushing) and the swift Glorilla (5-2, Ron Cushing). 

Also on Saturday’s 12-race program of packed overnights are two $5,500 splits for Maine’s top older pacers, and a $5,000 division of the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC).  The MADC is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine.

The First Tracks Cumberland meet continues racing on Friday and Saturday each weekend through August 3, which will feature the $25,000 Pine Tree Invitational Pace.

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

July 19, 2024, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Some of the Pine Tree State’s top older trotters will meet again for Friday’s (July 19) $6,000 top conditioned trot at Cumberland.  Locally campaigned Power Mitt (5-2, Kevin Switzer Jr.) and Little Macabee (6-1, Drew Campbell) will have to contend with the Plainridge import of Replica Hanover (9-5, Mark Athearn).

Although stabled on the grounds with Team Athearn, Barbara Dresser’s Replica Hanover has not raced at Cumberland since mid-May as he has sought bigger prizes against tougher company in the Bay State.  Winner of his last start in 1:56.2 with Matty ‘Ice’ Athearn at the controls, the 6-year-old son of Uncle Peter has earned $13,195 in his last four starts.

The rival to his inside is Power Mitt who was 1-2 in his last two trys at Cumberland, and hails from the powerful Bob Marston stable.  The 5-year-old son of Explosive Matter has won a quarter of his 16 seasonal outings for owner Dana Goding.

Little Macabee, the little horse that could, is a winner in his last start and is on an upward trajectory for trainer Chad Tompkins and owner Maryann Tompkins.  The 10-year-old son of Chapter Seven has 37 lifetime victories and $239,203 in earnings to his credit.

They all line up behind the Wes Brown starting gate in race 8.  The previous race 7 welcomes the Camp Kippewa Equestrian Academy.  Twenty-plus enthusiastic campers will invade the apron and cheer for the favorite steeds amid homemade signs with more energy aboard than the space shuttle.  Everyone at Cumberland enjoys their passion for horses and harness racing.

Kippewa Equestrian Academy (KEA), located in Monmouth, offers a 12-day fully immersive equestrian experience for girls who want to improve their riding skills and expand their equine knowledge.  The camp has been in existence since 1957 and is located on the historic Woolworth estate, which produced some of the best Standardbred pacers and trotters in the country.

Friday’s (July 19) 12-race card (post time 3:15 pm) includes all of the track’s regular betting options, including 50-cent Pick-5 (races 3-7); 50-cent Pick-4 (races 10-13); 50-cent Pick 3 (races 11-13), all with a low 16-percent take out.

Looking ahead to Saturday (July 20), Cumberland sees the return of the 2-year-old pacing fillies for their third round of Maine Sires Stakes action.  The field is led by last week’s winner Leanne Marie (8-5, Mike Cushing) and the swift Glorilla (5-2, Ron Cushing). 

Also on Saturday’s 12-race program of packed overnights are two $5,500 splits for Maine’s top older pacers, and a $5,000 division of the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC).  The MADC is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine.

The First Tracks Cumberland meet continues racing on Friday and Saturday each weekend through August 3, which will feature the $25,000 Pine Tree Invitational Pace.

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

July 14, 2024, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Mike and Sherry Cushing’s Leanne Marie provided one of the most thrilling races of the day when she won the lone $16,071 division of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing fillies on Saturday (July 13) at Cumberland Raceway.

When the wings of the gate folded last week’s victor and 1-9 favorite Glorilla (Ron Cushing) was sent scampering out for the lead like her tail was on fire.  Her authority was short lived as the filly went off stride in the apex of the first turn, which allowed Whisper Of Luck (Kevin Switzer Jr.) to assume command.

With an anxious Glorilla back on stride the duo ducked into third moving toward a 31.1 opening panel.  Their pylon play was short lived, however, as Ron Cushing pulled Glorilla right back out and was parked through the second turn.  At the 1:03 half Glorilla had taken point while his brother Mike Cushing driving Leanne Marie had followed that cover and was now first over.

The Cushing brothers fought tooth and nail through the 1:32.1 third panel with the 10-1 Leanne Marie poking a head in front.  Whisper Of Luck was second over around the final turn and also looking to reel in the favorite.

Down the stretch a pack of five fillies had all engaged in battle, with Leanne Marie prevailing by a neck over the fast closing Whisper Of Luck in 2:03.1.  The daughter of Artistic Fella is trained by Charlene (Sherry) Cushing who also co-owns with Pamela Smith and Jane Depompo.  The aforementioned trio are also the breeders, with the filly paying $22.40 to win her first career race and take a lifetime mark.

Sherry Cushing also trains the third place finisher Audry, who was driven by Steve Wilson.  Glorilla finished fourth.

In other action the featured overnight $6,000 top pace was captured by Bet On Joe in 1:55.4.  Driven by Kevin Switzer Jr. for trainer Bob Marston, the 9-year-old son of Bettor’s Delight came from off the pace to win his fifth race of the season and second in a row at Cumberland.  Owned by Sharon Goding, he paid $7.40 to win.  Favorite Lifes A Puzzle (Richard Humphrey) finished second; Ranaldi (Garrett Mosher) was third.

Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) series point leader Hunter Lofthus added more points to his seemingly insurmountable lead as he grabbed another $5,000 division of the ‘greatest sideshow in harness racing.’  The talented reinsman steered his own Forrest Blu to a wire-to-wire romp in 1:59.1, paying just $2.20 to win. The MADC is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine.

Both Kevin Switzer Jr. and Drew Campbell picked up a pair of victories on the card.  Kevin Switzer leads all drivers at Cumberland this season with 56 victories.  Rounding out the top five are Walter Case Jr. (38), Drew Campbell (30), Bruce Ranger (28) and Dan Deslandes (25).  The leading trainer is Bob Marston with 23 wins, followed by Jeff Deslandes (22) and Marc Tardif (20).

Racing resumes Friday (July 19) as the First Tracks Cumberland meet continues racing on Friday and Saturday each weekend through August 3. 

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

July 13, 2024, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Heavy favorite Gowestyoungrace used a first over trip to overpower her rivals while equaling the track record at First Tracks Cumberland for 3-year-old pacing fillies.

In the first of two $16,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes on Friday (July 12) driver Dave Ingraham was content to let the early speed advance to the front and let his star pacer come from off the pace.  The first to leave was Mrs Foxy Roxy (28-1, Nick Graffam) who protected pylon position through the first turn, with My Sweet Revenge (4-1, Kevin Switzer Jr.) ranging up on the outside to take command by the 29 second opening panel.

Moving into the 59.1 half Ingraham tipped Gowestyounggrace to the outside to challenge the pacesetting My Sweet Revenge.  The pace quickened as they battled down the backstretch.  The aggressor poked a nose in front of the defender, with the pair pacing a 28.1 third quarter in 1:27.2 and gaining separation from the rest of the field.

As they turned for home Gowestyounggrace showed her grit and determination as she rolled smoothly down to the wire in 1:57.2 to win by 1-1/4 lengths, equaling the track record and taking a new lifetime mark.  Owned, trained and bred by Fred Ward Jr. and Sharon Ward, the daughter of Western Maverick-Gracie Gracie picked up her second win in a row, paying just $2.20 as the 1-9 favorite.

My Sweet Revenge hung on for second; Pembroke Red (Heath Campbell) was third.

In the second $16,421 division of the Maine Sire Stakes for sidestepping sophomore distaffs, another heavy favorite prevailed in wire-to-wire fashion.

Heath Campbell never left the pylons with Who’s Perfect as the daughter of Western Maverick set comfortable fractions of 28.3, 59.3 and 1:29.1 through the first three stanzas.  By the head of the stretch the Valerie Grondin-trained filly had scampered away from the field and was on top by three.  Under the wire the margin increased to seven lengths as Campbell was on cruise control to score in 1:58.3, she paid $2.20 to win.

Bred by Lynn-Marie Plouffe, who now co-owns with Dick and Patty McKeen, it was Who’s Perfect’s second win in a row.

Animore Sass (Andy Harrington) finished second; Zoes Precious (Steve Wilson) RN was third.

The $6,000 featured overnight race, a conditioned trot, was captured by Little Macabee in 2:00 for trainer Chad Tompkins and owner Maryann Tompkins.  The 10-year-old son of Chapter Seven had been knocking on the door for the last month having finished second in his last three starts.  He paid $7.40 to win.

Twelve different drivers won races on the Friday (July 12) card, however trainer Bob Marston enjoyed a training double.

Looking ahead to Saturday (July 13), Cumberland welcomes the 2-year-old pacing fillies for their second round of Maine Sires Stakes action.  The field is led by Glorilla (4-5, Ron Cushing) who turned some heads with her swift and decisive opening round triumph in 2:02.3 last week at Bangor. 

Also on Saturday’s 11-race program of full fields includes the featured overnight $6,000 top pace, with Lifes A Puzzle (9-5, Richard Humphrey) looking for a softer landing spot after slugging it out with faster foes at Plainridge.  Instant Replay (7-2, Walter Case Jr.) is back and scores from the inner most post following a fortnight respite.

In addition, the $5,000 division of the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) goes as race five on Saturday.  The MADC is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine.

Saturday’s (July 13) 11-race card (post time 3:15 pm) includes all of the track’s regular betting options, including 50-cent Pick-5 (races 3-7, $308 carryover); 50-cent Pick-4 (races 8-11); 50-cent Pick 3 (races 9-11), all with a low 16-percent take out. 

The First Tracks Cumberland meet continues racing on Friday and Saturday each weekend through August 3. 

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

July 12, 2024, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME –Maine-bred pacing fillies highlight the weekend at First Tracks Cumberland with the 3-year-olds on Friday (July 12) competing in two $16,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes, followed by a single $16,071 division for 2-year-olds on Saturday (July 13).

The opener on Friday has Gowestyounggrace (7-5, Dave Ingraham) looking for her second win in a row following a series leading 1:57.3 score in her last outing at Bangor.  Owned, trained and bred by Fred Ward Jr., the daughter of Western Maverick-Gracie Gracie is also the leading point earner in the series with a pair of victories to her credit.  Just inside her is My Sweet Revenge (2-1, Kevin Switzer Jr) who has been 1-2-3 in her last three starts. She is trained by Marc Tardif.

In the second $16,421 Maine Sire Stake for 3-year-old filly pacers, the Valerie Grondin-trained Who’s Perfect (4-5, Heath Campbell) will look to keep her winning ways intact as she scores from pylon position.  With a win last week in 1:57.4, the daughter of Western Maverick-Perfect Launch has never been worse than second all year.  Her biggest threat comes from Ghost Of You (5-2, Switzer-Tardif) who has been nipping at her heels regularly.

The featured overnight race is the $6,000 conditioned trot led by Aaron Hall’s Jax Spratt.  The 4-year-old son of Devious Man has racked up five wins in eight starts this season for owner Bill “Yarmouth Lumber” Phipps.

Friday’s (July 12) 12-race card (post time 3:15 pm) includes all of the track’s regular betting options, including 50-cent Pick-5 (races 3-7); 50-cent Pick-4 (races 9-12); 50-cent Pick 3 (races 10-12), all with a low 16-percent take out.  There is also a $330 carryover in the 12^th race Pentafecta.

Looking ahead to Saturday (July 13), Cumberland welcomes the 2-year-old pacing fillies for their second round of Maine Sires Stakes action.  The field is led by Glorilla (4-5, Ron Cushing) who turned some heads with her swift and decisive opening round triumph in 2:02.3 last week at Bangor. 

Also on Saturday’s 11-race program of full fields includes the featured overnight $6,000 top pace, with Lifes A Puzzle (9-5, Richard Humphrey) looking for a softer landing spot after slugging it out with faster foes at Plainridge.  Instant Replay (7-2, Walter Case Jr.) is back and scores from the inner most post following a fortnight respite.

In addition, the $5,000 division of the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) goes as race five on Saturday.  The MADC is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine.

The First Tracks Cumberland meet continues racing on Friday and Saturday each weekend through August 3. 

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

July 7, 2024, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Maine’s 2-year-old trotters rolled into their first sires stakes action of the season on Saturday (July 6), with two $15,000-plus divisions opening the 12-race card at Cumberland Raceway.   

The diagonally gaited distaffs were the first $15,816 group out of the gate with the usual growing pains associated with green trotters. Following a few miscues after the start Ken Watson got Lady Lake Marty (6-1, Whataworkout) away from the gate cleanly and was on top by eight into a swift 30 second opening panel.  In a more subdued 1:02 half, the pair were on top by twelve and then eight lengths at the 1:34.1 third panel. 

That lead expired quickly when the pacesetting filly jumped it off while trotting into the final turn, allowing Pandemic Princess and Heath Campbell (9-5, Whataworkout) to roll through the apex and take command.  Down the stretch they strode to a 7-1/4 length score in 2:06.3.

Trained by Valerie Grondin for owner-breeder Lynn-Marie Plouffe, the duo paid $5.60 to win.

Katahdin Mistress (Wally Watson-Lisa Watson) finished second; Lady Lake Marty hung on for third.

The boys hopped into the fray next, vying for their share of the $16,028 Maine Sire Stakes purse.

The first to leave was Ken Watson with Whatawonder (9-2, Whataworkout) who cleared sharply and took the field into a moderate 31.2 first quarter.  Gapping out in the pocket was Mark Athearn with Iron Mike (5-1, Whataworkout) while heading to the 1:05 half, forcing Walter Case Jr. to come first over with Liberty’s Wildcard (2-1, Noble Venture).

Thru the paddock turn the second time Liberty’s Wildcard jumped, prompting Wally Watson and Katahdin Victor (4-5, Victor Blue Chip) to move first over into a 1:36 swifter third panel.  With Iron Mike on his inside Katahdin Victor grabbed second position, as the leader, Whatawonder, was on top by eight by the head of the stretch.

No further changes in the marching orders were realized as the pacesetter sailed home in 2:07.1.  Trained by Lisa Watson for owner-breeder Barbara Lawson, he paid $11.80 to win. 

Katahdin Victor finished second; Iron Mike was third.

Our favorite octogenarian was at it again this week, scoring another victory with N Expense in the Maine Amateur Driver Club (MADC) race.  86-year-old Bob Nadeau made a three-wide move down the backside to win by three in 1:59.1.  As the owner, trainer and driver, it was the second such triumph for the duo in the last month, but this time he paid a whopping $34.60 to win.  The MADC is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine.

Racing resumes Friday, July 12 as the First Tracks Cumberland meet continues with regular racing on Friday and Saturday each weekend through August 3. 

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

July 6, 2024, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Walter Case Jr., who ranks 9^th on the all-time dash wins list among active drivers, added six victories to his lifetime total of 11,395 on Friday (July 5) at Cumberland Raceway.

‘Casey’ started his six pack by taking both $15,986 divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings.

The first division he captured with Massive Speed, using a two-hole trip to grab the lead in mid-stretch and get the son of Dude’s The Man a new 2:01.4 race record.  Trained by Marc Tardif and owned by Leighton Property, he was bred by Laurie Harding and paid $2.40 to win.

Pacesetter Ridgecrest Dan (John Nason) finished second; Dude’s Wanted Man (Heath Campbell-Valerie Grondin) was third.

Case came right back in the second division to score with the Tardif-trained Jax Attack in 2:05.  Again utilizing a pocket trip to score with the heavy favorite, the son of Deuce Seelster paid $2.40 for owner Leighton Property.  He was bred by Gary and Kristina Hall.

Gracies Tough Guy (Dave Ingraham-Fred Ward Jr.) finished second; Ella V Dude (Kevin Switzer Jr.-Marc Tardif) was third.

Case won his third race of the afternoon with another Tardif-trained pupil Pickmepickme in 1:57, paying $3.00 to win.  Then he continued his reign of terror in race eight with Royalty Again (1:58.1, $6.60); race 11 with To My Credit (1:59.4, $2.60); and race 12 with Virtual Success (1:58.1, $14.00).

Looking ahead to Saturday (July 6), Cumberland welcomes all the 2-year-old trotters for their first Maine Sires Stakes action, with two $15,000-plus divisions going postward as races one and three.    The filly trotters are first up in race one, and are led by Pandemic Princess (8-5, Campbell-Grondin)

Race three gives five trotting colts and gelding their time in the spotlight.  Katahdin Victor (6-5, Wallace Watson-Lisa Watson) is the early favorite and has already shown some flashes of brilliance.

Also on Saturday’s 12-race program of full fields is a $5,000 division of the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) goes as race four.  The MADC is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine.

The First Tracks Cumberland meet continues throughout the 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/