November 11, 2024 – by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Red hot reinsman Drew Campbell won four races at Cumberland (Maine) on Sunday (Nov. 10) including the $5,000 featured conditioned pace with Axion Hanover.

When the wings folded for the bright, early afternoon event the 4-5 favorite Art Scene was sent scurrying out for the lead by Walter Case Jr.  Longshot Through The Fence (26-1, Aaron Hall) begrudgingly yielded into a :27.2 opening panel, with the rest of the field strung out down the backstretch.  Case stepped on the breaks and led the tightening pack into a :59 half with Tobins Burke (7-2, Andy Harrington) first over, and Axion Hanover taking advantage of the live cover.

The pace hastened into a 1:27.1 third quarter, which prompted Campbell to tip Axion Hanover three-wide around the final turn as the front end started to stall.  With the momentum in his favor, the 5-year-old son of Betting Line strode home a 1-1/4 length winner in 1:57.1.

Trained by Mark Harris for owner Gayle Harris, it was Axion Hanover’s ninth win of the season, and third in a row.  Paying $10.40 to win, his lifetime earnings have now reached $85,365.

Tobins Burke finished second; Through The Fence picked up third.

Drew Campbell’s three additional victories on the card were: Reys N A Ruckus ($11.40, 1:58.2); Timbo Slice ($4.80, 1:57.4); and We’re Gonna Rock ($18.60, 2:00.2).

McGwire Sowers had three wins on the program including the Late Double, and Walter Case Jr. won the Daily Double.

Racing resumes on Saturday (Nov. 16), with First Tracks Cumberland’s Winter Festival extended pari-mutuel meeting enjoying weekend action throughout the month of November.  Then, Cumberland Raceway will transition to three days of harness racing each week (Fri-Sat-Sun) beginning December 6.  The 19-day meet continues through Dec. 22, 2024, and post time is always 10:55 am.  The popular Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 21.

For more information go to our website: firsttrackscumberland.com, or find us on Facebook: @FirstTracksCumberland