September 27, 2023, by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photo)
CUMBERLAND, ME – Up-and-coming reinsman Winter Asher-Stalbaum won the swiftest race of the day with Zack Vickerson’s Beach Fire K in 1:55.1 on Tuesday (Sept. 26) at Cumberland Fair.
The 6-year-old son of Somebeachsomewhere, driven by the 19-year-old Asher Stalbaum, made every call a winning one. While setting fractions of :27, 56.2 and 1:24.4, the pair gained eight lengths on the rest of the field through the third panel. Down the stretch Make Some Waves (Walter Case Jr.) had shortened that margin down to a length before the wire arrived and the pacesetter prevailed.
Trained and co-owned by Zach Vickerson with Haley Karken, he paid $10.80 to win the $5,200 conditioned pace. Make Some Waves finished second; Lexus With a View A (Chris Long) was third.
Airspinder won the $6,000 feature 1:57.4 for driver Dan Deslandes and owner-trainer David Sawyer. He paid $4.80 to win.
Driver Chris Long won three races on the afternoon card, which was the third day of racing at the Fair. Walter Case Jr. and Aaron Hall won a pair each.
Harness racing at Cumberland Fair continues at 1:30 pm on Wednesday (Sept. 27) with full cards scheduled through Sunday (Oct. 1). A special post time of 11 am is slated for that final date. There is no racing on Thursday (Sept. 28).
There will be a live draw for the Freshmen Finals on Wednesday (Sept. 27) at 12:30 pm.
Looking ahead, the Maine Sire Stakes returns with 3-year-old trotters on Wednesday (Sept. 27), and then roll into the 3-year-old pacers on Friday (Sept. 29). The highlight of the week will be all four $40,000-plus divisional Maine Sire Stakes freshmen finals on Saturday (Sept. 30).
First Tracks Cumberland’s winter festival reconvenes on Sunday, November 5, abiding by a weekend racing schedule through Christmas Eve (Dec. 24). Winter post times will be 11 a.m.
September 26, 2023, by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photos)
CUMBERLAND, ME – Walter Case Jr. and Drew Campbell each won three races on Monday (Sept. 25) during the second day of racing at the Cumberland Fair, giving the veteran reinsmen victories in two-thirds of the racing card.
‘Casey’ started things off in the opener with Showme Some Muscle in a wire-to-wire romp for trainer Candace Brandstatter. He paid $4.60 to get his 17th lifetime score.
Two races later Case Jr. and Winter Asher-Stalbaum had a dead heat for win with Ranaldi and Lord Willoughby A, respectively, in 1:57.1. They both paid $2.40 to win as the betting co-favorites. Ranaldi is trained by Cain Mackenzie for owner Common Kings Stable, where Lord Willoughby A is owned by Winter and trained by his older sister Riley.
The next race was captured by Drew Campbell with American Fighter in 1:59.1. Trained by Mark Harris for owner Gayle Harris, the longshot paid a whopping $51.80 to grab the 32nd win of his life.
Case Jr. secured the next event with Your Momma in another coast-to-coast victory lap, cruising to a 1:59.4 score. Owned and trained by Eddie Fournier Jr., she paid $3.40 to win for the 14th time in her career.
Drew Campbell popped again with S R Willpower in 1:59. Blasting three-deep on the backside, the teamster rolled home to grab the win for trainer Wayne Smith and owners Courtney Pitts and Adalberto Silva. It was the 19th victory of his career, paying $9.40.
Campbell came right back to win by a neck with See You Friday for owner-trainer Michelle Lefebvre in 1:58, paying $4.00 for his 25th lifetime triumph.
John Nason enjoyed a driving-training double.
Harness racing at Cumberland Fair continues at 1:30 pm on Tuesday (Sept. 26) with full cards scheduled through Sunday (Oct. 1). A special post time of 11 am is slated for that final date. There is no racing on Thursday (Sept. 28).
There will be a live draw for the Freshmen Finals on Wednesday (Sept. 27) at 12:30 pm.
Looking ahead, the Maine Sire Stakes returns with 3-year-old trotters on Wednesday (Sept. 27), and then roll into the 3-year-old pacers on Friday (Sept. 29). The highlight of the week will be all four $40,000-plus divisional Maine Sire Stakes freshmen finals on Saturday (Sept. 30).
First Tracks Cumberland’s winter festival reconvenes on Sunday, November 5, abiding by a weekend racing schedule through Christmas Eve (Dec. 24). Winter post times will be 11 a.m.
September 25, 2023, by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photo)
CUMBERLAND, ME – The 151st annual Cumberland Fair opened Sunday (Sept. 24) with teamster Ron Cushing taking a pair of the Coastline pop-up splits with horses trained by Dakota Jackson.
Jackson began last week with a decisive victory in the prestigious Tim Fouts Memorial Amateur Driving Championship at the Delaware County Fair on Sunday (Sept. 17), and followed that up with a training double on the opening day of the Fair at the iconic Southern Maine oval.
In the fastest mile of the day, a $5,200 Coastline Pop Up, Cushing driving Trente Deo was content to let former Maine Sire Stakes sophomore champion Deal With It Roman (Bruce Ranger-Marc Tardif) show the way from his pylon starting position.
While setting a speedy :27.3 opening panel, the veteran reinsman backed down the half to :57.1. However, when the outer flow started to gain momentum through the paddock turn, Ranger let the son of Western Maverick out a notch and hit the third station in 1:25.1.
Throughout the mile Cushing had Trente Deo sitting tight on Ranger’s helmet and waited until the head of the stretch to pull the slingshot. Gaining ground with every stride, the pair prevailed by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:55.2.
Deal With It Roman finished second; Mocha On The Rocks (Heath Campbell-Valerie Grondin) was third.
Owned by Zachary Jackson, twin brother of trainer Dakota Jackson, the 7-year-old son of Captaintreacherous picked up the 31st win of his career, paying $2.80 to win.
Cushing and Jackson came right back to win the next race, another $5,200 Coastline Pop Up, with Gotta Minute N on the front end in 1:57.4. Owned by the Ettore Annunziata Rev. Trust, the 10-year-old son of Badlands Hanover paid $3.40 to win for the 28th time of his career.
Other series winners include: $5,500 Lobster Pop Up, Rambling Ruby (Aaron Hall-Eric Bickmore) & Real Sancho (Joey Mosher-Kim Vafiades); $5,200 Coastline Pop Up, Paxton (Cambell-Grondin); $5,200 Autumn Pop Up, Humor Me (Hall-Vafiades); $5,000 Blueberry Pop Up, Rest Assured (Mike Stevenson).
All of the ‘trackmaster rating’ conditioned pacing series carry total final purses of $35,000, and are being held in conjunction with the $240,000-plus Maine Sire Stakes 2-year-old finals on September 30. In addition, the track’s popular Cumberland Derby returns and gives patrons who enter the contest a chance to win a total of $500 in cash.
There will be a live draw for the Freshmen Finals on Wednesday (Sept. 27) at 12:30 pm.
Harness racing at Cumberland Fair continues at 1:30 pm on Monday (Sept. 25) with full cards scheduled through Sunday (Oct. 1), with a special post time of 11 am for that final date. There is no racing on Thursday (Sept. 28).
Looking ahead, the Maine Sire Stakes returns with 3-year-old trotters on Wednesday (Sept. 27), and then roll into the 3-year-old pacers on Friday (Sept. 29). The highlight of the week will be all four $60,000-plus divisional Maine Sire Stakes freshmen finals on Saturday (Sept. 30).
First Tracks Cumberland’s winter festival reconvenes on Sunday, November 5, abiding by a weekend racing schedule through Christmas Eve (Dec. 24). Winter post times will be 11 a.m.
September 22, 2023, by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland
CUMBERLAND, ME – The Down East faithful will transition from Farmington to the 151st annual Cumberland Fair on Sunday (Sept. 24) with ten harness races programmed at the iconic Southern Maine oval.
Many of Maine’s rural fairs are known for their tractor pulls and draft horse demonstrations, however the Cumberland fair was first held in 1868 with harness racing as the “Maine” attraction. It remains one of the biggest annual agricultural events in the southern part of the Pine Tree state.
The harness racing at Cumberland Fair will start at 1:30 pm on opening day, Sunday (Sept. 24) with full cards scheduled for seven dates through Sunday (Oct. 1), with a special post time of 11 am for that final date.
The featured events for the opening day card are the first legs of four individual pop up series, which are ‘trackmaster rating’ conditioned paces. The series finals are being held in conjunction with the $240,000-plus Maine Sire Stakes 2-year-old finals on September 30, and carry total final purses of $35,000.
“First Tracks Cumberland is excited to once again host the rich Maine Sire Stakes freshmen finals, and we want the entire day to be a fun and exciting event for all the fans and horsemen,” stated racing secretary Rob Pennington.
Two six-horse legs of the $5,500 Lobster Pop Up series eliminations go postward as races one and nine on opening day (Sept. 24).
Rambling Ruby (Aaron Hall) has been installed as the early 5-2 morning line favorite in the opener, scoring from post five for owner-trainer Eric Bickmore. Leaving from pylon position as the second choice at 7-2 is Justcallmeminnie (Nick Graffam) who is owned and trained by Gretchen Athearn.
The second $5,500 division, carded as race nine, pits recent Bangor winner Real Sancho with owner-driver Joey Mosher (post 3, 9-5), against Paris Beau (Bruce Ranger) and Canbec Kingkazimir (Kevin Switzer Jr.) as the second and third choices, respectively.
The top four finishers from each division that enter will return for the $9,500 final on Sept. 30.
Looking ahead, the Maine Sire Stakes returns with 3-year-old trotters on Wednesday (Sept. 27), and then roll into the 3-year-old pacers on Friday (Sept. 29). The highlight of the week will be all four $60,000-plus divisional Maine Sire Stakes freshmen finals on Saturday (Sept. 30).
In other news, when all eyes were fixed upon the Delaware County Fair on Thursday (Sept. 21) one of Maine’s favorite sons, ‘Polie’ Mallar, had his top colt Ken Hanover pace the fastest mile in the 78-year history of the Little Brown Jug. David Miller drove the son of Captaintreacherous to a 1:48.4 triumph in the second elimination, who is co-owned by Pine Tree State residents Pat Leavitt (pictured) and Bill Jordan, along with Mallar and Dennis Osterholt.
First Tracks Cumberland’s winter festival reconvenes on Sunday, November 5, abiding by a weekend racing schedule through Christmas Eve (Dec. 24). Winter post times will be 11 a.m.
August 6, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland(Stephanie Gray photos)
CUMBERLAND, ME – Plainridge invader Skyway Victor was a confident 1:54.2 winner in Cumberland’s featured closing day event, the $25,000 Pine Tree Invitational Pace. One of the swiftest miles of the 33-day meet, driver Kevin Switzer Jr. was parked out most of the mile to score by 1-3/4 lengths over anxious pacesetter The Bird Dance N.
When the wings folded the restless, front-running The Bird Dance N (Nick Graffam) assumed his usual spot on point, setting a sharp 27.1 opening panel. Not content to sit in the three-hole, Switzer Jr. pulled his charge Skyway Victor out going to the quarter mile marker and was thwarted for the front around the three-eighths pole and through the second turn.
As the field straightened out to go by the stands the second time, Switzer Jr. ducked his horse to the pylons as the top pacers hit the half in 56.1. Skyway Victor was half-in, half-out going around the five-eighths paddock turn and then committed to the outside before the 1:25.1 third panel, where he was again toe-to-toe with the The Bird Dance N, eventually poking a nose in front.
By the head of the stretch Swizter Jr. had established a short lead but then started to gain some additional separation as the field rushed down the stretch to the wire. Skyway Victor, as the even money favorite, prevailed while equaling the track record for aged pacing geldings.
Trained and co-owned by Mark Eaton with Robert Griffin, the 5-year-old son of Tellitlikeitis picked up his 20th career victory. He paid $4.20 to win.
The Wild Card (Bruce Ranger) finished second; Cigars And Port (Wally Watson) was third.
The $10,000 Charles Malia Distinguished Service Invitational Trot was captured by heavy favorite Nows The Moment by driver Mike Stevenson for trainer Mr. Allison MacDonald.
Scoring in 1:57.1, the time was just a tick off the track record for older trotting geldings. Owned by Sonya MacDonald, it was the 39th victory of his illustrious career, putting the 8-year-old Credit Winner gelding’s lifetime earnings at $643,222. He paid $2.20 to win. Luvcrunchess (Kevin Switzer Jr.) finished second; Pembroke Regal (Heath Campbell) was third.
The race recognized the dedication to Maine harness racing that presiding judge Charles Malia faithfully provided during his decades of officiating at area racetracks. With Mr. Malia on hand to receive the recognition, the winners circle was packed with the owners’ connections and well-wishers of the retired PJ.
The $10,000 Maine Amateur Driving Club final was won by Todd Whitney driving Airspinder to a 1:56.3 score, winning by a quarter-length over Benson Merrill and Art Of Endurance. Airspinder paid $7.80 to win. Chumlee A (Ryan Hall) was third. The race was sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed stores of Windham and North Yarmouth.
The undercard also had several $10,000 Pop-Up series finals and make-up races, as well as four divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes, making the day one of the richest overnight cards in the track’s history, boasting over $175,000 in purses.
Bruce Ranger maintained his position atop the drivers’ standings through the Spring-Summer meet, finishing with 54 wins. Kevin Switzer Jr. was second with 48; Nick Graffam (37), Drew Campbell (36) and Aaron Hall (35) rounded out the top five. The leading trainers were Jeff Deslandes (22) and Chris Lefebvre (21); with Eric Bickmore, Sara Harrington and Benson Merrill each with 15.
Racing resumes for the Cumberland Fair on September 24 for a seven-day meet. First Tracks Cumberland’s extended winter pari-mutuel meeting starts November 5 and runs through Dec. 24.
August 4, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photos)
CUMBERLAND, ME – Drew Campbell had the hot hands at Cumberland on Friday (Aug. 4), winning four races on the penultimate day of the Summer meet at the iconic Southern Maine racetrack.
Driving Valyrian Steel in the opener, Campbell started the day out strong finishing a close second to Caulfield and Walter Case Jr. who won the $8,000 Portland Breakwater Series Consolation Trot in 2:01.2. Caulfield, a dead-heat track record holder, is now trained by Bob Marston and owned by George Tzikas. He paid $7.60 to win; Power Mitt (Mike Stevenson) finished third.
Campbell started his grand slam afternoon by winning the $5,000 third race conditioned trot with Little Macabee. Trained by Eric Bickmore and owned by Maryann Tompkins, the 9-year-old son of Chapter Seven paid $3.00 to win by a neck over Storm Bringer (Aaron Hall) in 2:00.4. Parked the last half in 59.1, it was the 35th win of his career and helped push his lifetime earnings to $213,333.
His next trip to the Blue Seal Winners Circle arrived in race nine, the $8,000 Portland Head Light Series Consolation Pace where the maritime native got up in the final strides with Riproy to score by half a length in 1:58.3. It was just the third seasonal victory for the 9-year-old son of Mach Three, who is trained by Benson Merrill and owned by his wife Lauren Merrill. He paid $6.20 to win. Another Merrill-trained pupil, Ultimate Flyer N (Garrett Mosher) finished second; Jaxson R Browne (Aaron Hall) was third.
The flyin’ orange colors came right back to take the next race with Captain Nash, a $5,000 conditioned pace in 1:57.3. Campbell drove the $8.60 winner for trainer Richard Bartlett and owner Reginald Duguay. Favorite Twin B Impressive (Bruce Ranger) finished second; Thinking Of Slim (Aaron Hall) was third.
Drew Campbell’s fourth and final score came in the twelfth race in the form of a dead heat with Fomor for trainer Bob Martson, who shared the $6,000 winner’s share with co-winner Broadway Giant (Bruce Ranger). Fomor paid $12.40 to win with Broadway Giant paying $9.00. The final time was 2:02.2.
Racing resumes Saturday (August 5) for the final day of the Summer meet, with a special 2:15 early post time. The action-packed program is headlined by the $25,000 Pine Tree Invitational, which when coupled with nine $10,000 Pop-Ups series finals or other events, makes it the richest overnight race card in the history of First Tracks Cumberland. The total non-stakes purses equal $115,000, which is the most ever for an overnight card. Add in four Maine Sire Stakes events and the total purses for the day exceed $175,000.
Closing day of the Spring-Summer meet on Saturday (Aug. 5) also carries seven additional $10,000 ‘overnight’ races (pop-up series events) as well as the $10,000 Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) Spring-Summer Final, sponsored by Blue Seal Feeds.
Import wagering from both the Saratoga Race Course (flats) and the entire Hambletonian Day card from the Meadowlands will be available on Aug. 5.
Fans that purchase a race program will receive a Hambo hat, compliments of First Tracks Cumberland. In addition, our popular Cumberland Derby returns and gives patrons who enter the contest a chance to win a total of $500 in cash.
August 4, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
CUMBERLAND, ME – Saturday’s (August 5) $25,000 Pine Tree Invitational headlines the richest overnight race program in the history of First Tracks Cumberland. Coupled with nine additional $10,000 Pop-Ups, the total non-stakes race purses equal $115,000, the most ever for an overnight card. Add in four Maine Sire Stakes events and the total purses for the day exceed $175,000.
The Pine Tree Invitational compliments the recent Fred Nichols Memorial at Bangor, with both pari-mutuel tracks brining top invites to Maine several times each season. The early morning line favorite for the event is Plainridge invader Skyway Victory listed at 5-2. Driven for the first time locally by Kevin Switzer Jr. and trained by Mark Eaton, the 5-year-old Indiana-bred son of Tellitlikeitis is making his first start back since capturing the $50,000 John Hogan Junior Invite in the Bay State on July 23. His seasonal total is $90,471, and growing.
Skyway Victor
The second choice is local star The Bird Dance N (3-1, Nick Graffam). With seven wins in 14 starts this season, the restless 8-year-old son of A Rocknroll Dance hasn’t had a purse start since winning the Nichols on July 2. He’s earned $46,000 this year.
The $10,000 Charlies Malia Distinguished Service Invitational Trot brings some of the best of the diagonally-gaited set to Cumberland, while paying homage to the recently retired presiding judge who helped get the First Tracks meet started back in 2021. Mike Stevenson will drive the 2-1 fan favorite Nows The Moment for trainer Allison MacDonald.
Closing day of the Spring-Summer meet on Saturday (Aug. 5) also carries seven additional $10,000 ‘overnight’ races (pop-up series events) as well as the $10,000 Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) Spring-Summer Final, sponsored by Blue Seal Feeds.
Import wagering from both the Saratoga Race Course (flats) and the entire Hambletonian Day card from the Meadowlands will be available on Aug. 5.
Fans that purchase a race program will receive a Hambo hat, compliments of First Tracks Cumberland. In addition, our popular Cumberland Derby returns and gives patrons who enter the contest a chance to win a total of $500 in cash.
The final Summer weekend of racing resumes Friday (Aug. 4, 3:15 pm) with several $8,000 Pop Up series consolations. Saturday (Aug. 5) is closing day with a special early post time of 2:15 pm, with thirteen races on each program.
August 3, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
CUMBERLAND, ME – When assistant race secretary Andrew Topham was sweeping up old tote tickets on the apron following the opening day of First Tracks Cumberland’s inaugural meet in May 2021, he had no idea that he would be an integral part of the facility’s daily operations just 24 months later.
Looking up, it would seem that the ground level of the track was a mile away from the announcers, judges and charters booths, along with the TV cameras and technical control room. Both figuratively and literally, the inner workings of these two positions would seem light years apart.
But that distance was no barrier to entry for the young racing official.
“My grandfather, Mike Timmons, has been around Cumberland fair grounds for decades. The Black Bear guys needed someone to clean up after the races, so I was quick to take the job,” noted the 22-year-old native of Maine.
At the time of the track’s opening Topham was 19 years old and earning a degree in International Business and Logistics from the Maine Maritime Academy in Castine, Maine. “I had the summer off, and would come by after classes to empty the trash, sweep up the apron, clean the bathrooms…whatever [manager] Ben Kenney needed,” Topham added.
Andrew Topham (left) and Rob Pennington operate the hybrid race office at Cumberland (Chris Tully photo).
Not long thereafter Kenney noticed that the bright kid from Gray (Maine) was capable of much more than just sweeping the floors, so he gave Topham increased responsibility. He added working in the paddock cleaning stalls, setting up for the next day’s program, and assisting the mutuels department whenever necessary.
“He’s a great young man and we can always count on Andrew to follow through with whatever we throw at him. We are fortunate to have a young person like him be interested in the harness racing industry,” noted Kenney, the long-time management partner of Chris Schick, who also operate Cal Expo Harness in Sacramento.
Together with Gunner Lacour, the trio of talented track managers continue to keep things running smooth at both facilities.
Over last winter, when it was learned that the race charter from the previous two seasons, Jean Thayer, had accepted a position as race secretary at Bangor, the team jumped into action to get Andrew involved in filling that role.
“They sent me down to Monticello to work with Eric Warner and John Flynn to learn about the daily routine of the race office, as well as how to chart the races,” recalls Topham.
Warner, perhaps the longest tenured race secretary in the sport noted, “Andrew was very eager to learn. We enjoyed having him around for the week. He is very polite and personable, which certainly helps in this business!”
John Flynn, who has been the charter at Monticello Raceway for over 40 years, and has never missed a single day of work, stated, “The kid picked it up real quick. “He’s a natural.”
Back at Cumberland, they also hired a new race secretary, Rob Pennington.
Having been working in the race office at busy tracks like Freehold and Harrah’s Philadelphia for the last decade, Rob hit the ground running and has been a great fit for the organization.
He quickly deputized Topham, making him the assistant race secretary, a role which fits in perfectly with his duties as the charter. Together, with Pennington working remotely, and Topham on-site at Cumberland, they ensure that the double-draws go smoothly.
Pennington, who started working as a groom at age 16, was awarded the honor of Harness Tracks of America Caretaker of 2013. Having a long slate of accomplished conditioners under which Pennington worked, most notably Delvin Criswell, Danny Collins, Doug Miller, Noel Daley, Virgil Morgan Jr & John Duer, the Marion, Ohio-native truly learned the business from the ground up.
“I credit my racing official career to Karen Fagliarone for taking a chance on me as a groom with no prior experience,” Pennington stated. “Karen has continued to be a positive influence and mentor.”
Some may have wondered why all the recent Pop-Up series were named after Maine maritime attractions. The avid Ohio State fan was quick to explain, “From the moment I got off the plane in Portland I was in love with Maine. I did a lighthouse tour while visiting and was amazed by the beauty and history.” Pennington continued, “Maine racing has been unbelievable to me; from management at First Tracks, horsemen and women, my coworkers and officials. I cannot say enough about my assistant Andrew. What an amazing asset to the company.”
Pennington, 43, is also the race secretary at Tioga Downs in NY, and in his spare time he helps support the Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization of New Jersey. Topham (not to be confused with the upcoming fair Topsham) enjoys all things sports and also referees hockey. Together, their youth and exuberance for harness racing are what helps the sport grow in Maine.
Closing day of the Spring-Summer meet is this Saturday (August 5) with a full slate of big events. The $25,000 Pine Tree Invitational Pace, more $10,000 ‘overnight’ races (pop-up series finals) than Cumberland has ever offered before on a single program, and the $10,000 Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) Spring-Summer Final pack the final program. In fact, every race on the program carries a purse of $10,000 or more.
Import wagering from both the Saratoga Race Course (flats) and the entire Hambletonian Day card from the Meadowlands will be available on Aug. 5.
Fans that purchase a race program will receive a Hambo hat, compliments of First Tracks Cumberland. In addition, our popular Cumberland Derby returns and gives patrons who enter the contest a chance to win a total of $500 in cash.
The final Summer weekend of racing resumes Friday (Aug. 4, 3:15 pm) and Saturday (August 5) with a special early post time of 2:15 pm, with thirteen races on each program.
July 31, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland(Stephanie Gray photos)
CUMBERLAND, ME – Despite the heavy rain that forced the cancellation of much of the Saturday (July 29) card, the track at Cumberland was lightning fast for Sunday’s (July 30) five $7,000 divisions of the Portland Head Light and Cape Elizabeth pacing series, which led to some quick miles and new records for the participants.
The fillies and mares took center stage in race three with Whatchagonnadoboo equaling her seasonal best 1:57.3 in a wire-to-wire romp of the $7,000 Cape Elizabeth split. Driven by Aaron Hall for trainer-owner Eric Bickmore, the 6-year-old daughter of Artspeak picked up her 17th lifetime victory, paying $5.00 to win. The Letter (Kevin Switzer Jr.) finished second; Joes Beauty (Ron Cushing) was third.
The second $7,000 Cape Elizabeth division saw SG Alexia take a new lifetime mark of 1:57.3 in her gate to wire tour of the facility. Driven by Bruce Ranger for leading conditioner trainer Jeff Deslandes, the 5-year-old Betterthancheddar mare pushed her seasonal win total to nine in the effort. Owned by Moo Coo Inc., SG Alexia paid $5.80 to win. Woman In Gold N (Nick Graffam) finished second; Ol Little Shift (Dave Ingraham) was third.
Three $7,000 divisions of the Portland Head Light series were also scattered throughout the program, with the first going to See You Friday in 1:56.4. Driven by Drew Campbell for trainer Chris Lefebvre and owner Michelle Lefebvre, the 9-year-old son of Western Terror picked up the 23rd win of his career, paying $3.00 to win. Readyfortheladys (Aaron Hall) finished second; Hula’s Boy (Russell Lanpher III) was third.
Miss U Big Mike took the second split for the driving-training team of Dan Delandes and Jeff Deslandes in 1:57, with Silk Road Smash grabbing the final division in 1:57.1 for Drew Campbell-Randy Bickmore.
The fastest mile of the day was in the opener with El Jacko N taking the $6,000 cond. pace in 1:54.3 for Switzer Jr. and trainer Candace Brandstatter.
Drew Campbell led all drivers on the 12-race card with three victories. Bruce Ranger maintains his ‘top gun’ status with 50 seasonal victories going into the final weekend. Kevin Switzer Jr. is second with 44; Nick Graffam is third with 37.
Closing day of the Spring-Summer meet is August 5 with a full slate of big events. The $25,000 Pine Tree Invitational Pace, more $10,000 ‘overnight’ races (pop-up series finals) than Cumberland has ever offered before on a single program, and the $10,000 Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) Spring-Summer Final pack the final program.
Import wagering from both the Saratoga Race Course (flats) and the entire Hambletonian Day card from the Meadowlands will be available on Aug. 5.
Fans that purchase a race program will receive a Hambo hat, compliments of First Tracks Cumberland. In addition, our popular Cumberland Derby returns and gives patrons who enter the contest a chance to win a total of $500 in cash.
The final Summer weekend of racing resumes Friday (Aug. 4, 3:15 pm) and Saturday (August 5) with a special early post time of 2:15 pm.
July 29, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland(Stephanie Gray photo)
CUMBERLAND, ME – Three $7,000 divisions of the Portland Breakwater Trotting Series were the shining beacon for Friday’s (July 28) 13-race program at Cumberland, lighting the way for eight finalists to compete for a $10,000 final next weekend.
The first split was a wire-to-wire romp for Showme Some Muscle who flexed his way to greater and greater lengths in front of his fellow competitors, showing the way home by 7 lengths in 1:59.3. Driven by Kevin Switzer Jr. for trainer Candace Brandstatter and owner Seri Reddy, the 5-year-old son of Muscle Mass picked up the twelfth win of his career, but first of the season for his new connections.
Showme Some Muscle paid $4.20 to win. No Mo Fashion (Walter Case Jr.) finished second; Pembroke Faye (Heath Campbell) was third.
Fit Bitt exercised his right to the front end, where the 6-year-old Muscle Mass gelding was setting the tempo and keeping the rest of the field at bay. Driven by Aaron Hall for trainer Ralph D’Amelio II, the duo received a little encouragement from second place finisher Prescott (Andy Harrington) down the lane, but ultimately prevailed in 2:01.1.
Fit Bitt is owned by Mona Dodd and paid $2.60 to win. Pembroke Honcho (Heath Campbell) finished third.
The third and final leg was another front-end folly for Richsnortherndream who withstood a late bid by favored Maplewood Slugger (John Nason) to score in 2:01 by a quarter length. Driven by Walter Case Jr. for trainer James Dunn and owner Diane Dunn, the 7-year-old son of Northern Bailey grabbed his first win in just two seasonal starts. Always A Good Time finished third.
The top two finishers in each of the three legs, plus the two fastest ‘thirds’ that enter will be drawn-in to the final.
Racing resumes Saturday (July 29) with five divisions of the Spring Point Ledge series, each vying for a purse of $6,000. Also on Saturday is the last seasonal leg of the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC), sponsored by Blue Seal Feeds.
In addition, the Maine Sires Stakes has two divisions of freshman pacing fillies, racing on the betting program. First post time is 3:15 pm.
Closing day of the Spring-Summer meet is just one week away on August 5, which runs concurrently with Hambletonian Day at the Meadowlands. First Tracks Cumberland is offering the $25,000 Pine Tree Invitational Pace, several pop-up series finals, as well as a substantial prize for the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) Spring-Summer Final.
Saratoga programs, viewing and wagering are available on the Saturday (July 29) program. Import wagering from both the Saratoga Race Course (flats) and the entire Hambo Day card will also be available on Aug. 5.
For fans there will be a Hambletonian hat giveaway* (with the purchase of a program*) as well as the return of our popular Cumberland Derby. Patrons who enter the contest select a horse in a designated race and will have a chance to win a total of $500 in cash.
Live harness racing continues for the final Summer weekend of racing, which is scheduled for Friday (Aug. 4, 3:15 pm) and Saturday (August 5) with a special early post time of 2:15 pm.
