July 16, 2026, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photo)
CUMBERLAND, ME – Leading conditioner Michelle Lefebvre sends Party At Seven into the $6,400 featured overnight race on Friday’s (July 17) 13-race card at Cumberland Raceway, looking for his second consecutive victory. The full program also carries two $15,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old trotters.
On July 10 Party At Seven won his first start over the iconic Southern Maine oval, scoring in 1:58.4. Previously the 6-year-old son of Chapter Seven had been racing at Monticello for owner Ralph Silvestri. Now in the Lefebvre barn for his third start, and leaving from pylon position, the winner of $115,680 lifetime has been installed as the 9-5 early morning line favorite in race seven.
Also looking for another trip to the winners circle is TCS Brenda, who won her last start in wire-to-wire fashion from post eight. Listed at 2-1 from post three and getting the return services of Dave Ingraham, the 5-year-old daughter of Triumphant Caviar has been in the Eric Bickmore stable since mid-June.
Certainly local favorites Brutalizer (7-2, Andy Harrington) and Jax Spratt (5-1, Aaron Hall) should never be discounted and round out the top contenders.
However, some horses need a start or two to see what they are really made of. That’s where this next group of horses align. The Pine Tree State-bred 2-year-old trotters are in town and will be making their first purse starts. Many had taken advantage of the baby races held at Cumberland over the month, with several who had taken qualifying marks in those preliminary events.
The first $14,000 division is an early non-wagering race (12:00 pm) with three 2-year-old trotting fillies getting their first taste of stakes competition. Dave Ingraham drives a Cantab Fashion filly, with Gary Hall and Heath Campbell each steering a daughter of To The Hilt.
The second $15,210 division for 2-year-old trotting colts and gelding features a full field of six and is slated as race nine. Several of the youngsters are related to former Maine stars, including: 3-1 co-favorite Pembroke Zagursky (PP 2, Heath Campbell-Valerie Grondin), a full brother to Pembroke Breeze 4,1:58h ($211,975); Pembroke Savannah (PP 4, Dave Ingraham-Valerie Grondin), a full brother to Pembroke Lady 3,2:04.2h ($111,761); and Come On Charlie (PP5, Mark Athearn-Gretchen Athern), the first foal from a half-sister to Likeabatoutahell 1:51.3 ($1,035,643).
We are pleased to partner with Harness Elite, a new and exciting team of professional horseplayers, data analysts and influential members of the harness racing community that provide bettors with advanced tools and handicapping, as well as promote the sport through their platform. For more information about their Track of the Day for Friday (July 17), go to:
https://www.harnesselite.com/track-of-the-day/dszghsoy11wnldxfpergk4aq40mpfr-5dha3
Continue to follow Harness Elite’s Track of the Day at:
https://www.harnesselite.com/track-of-the-day
Racing continues on Saturday (July 18) in keeping with the track’s Friday – Saturday schedule. Next week, First Tracks Cumberland will offer a three day run from Fri., July 24 through Sun., July 26 during the penultimate weekend of the meet. Saturday (July 25) bettors will be able watch and wager on the entire card from The Meadows, featuring the 60th renewal of the Delvin Miller Adios Stakes. First post on that card from Washington, PA will be 11:30 a.m.
First post is 12:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 2.
A complete calendar and additional information can be viewed by visiting our website:
