August 4, 2024 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes (Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Marc and Peggy Tardif’s Maine-bred colt Cheatin Fate refuted his dire diagnosis, brushed off the grim reaper, and went on to win his first Maine Sire Stakes on Saturday (Aug. 3) at Cumberland Raceway.

While many of the sport’s harness racing fans were anxiously anticipating the start of the Hambletonian at the Meadowlands, Cheatin Fate quietly went about his business and took home his first pari-mutuel victory.  Proving to his naysayers that this colt had much more life in him than some gave him credit for, the son of Thirty Two Red was more or less cast aside by an academic veterinarian when he was afflicted with a bad case of colic.

Raised in Bell, Florida at the Tardif’s farm on the quiet, sandy back roads of Gilcrest Training Center, the colt was in the early stages of breaking and training when he got sick in November of last year.

“Our local vet came to the barn and suggested we take him to the University of Florida Veterinary Hospital in Gainesville,” Marc Tardif recalled.  “So we loaded him up and dropped him off around 1 am the next morning.”

A day later the hospital called and said that the horse had improved dramatically and was ready to come home and could be treated off site.

“Two hours later they called back and said he had taken a turn for the worse,” Tardif continued.  “They said we had to either approve emergency surgery, or euthanize, immediately.”

Neither Marc nor Peggy Tardif agreed with that diagnosis and went back to the hospital and picked up the colt.

“He was never experiencing extreme pain, it simply looked like an average case of colic,” noted Peggy Tardif.  “We just didn’t understand why they would recommend such a dramatic course of action.  So we decided to just bring him home and work on him with our local vet.”

Following some fluids and medicinal treatment while back in Bell (FL), the horse returned to normal in a few days, and has been fine ever since.  Half a year later the colt made his first start in a Learn and Earn baby race at Cumberland. 

During July he made two starts in the Maine Sire Stakes with a second and fourth place finish.  On Hambletonian Day Cheatin Fate lived up to his name and won his $16,161 division for freshmen pacing colts in 2:02.4.

Leaving from pylon position Cheatin Fate got away third and then had to be checked by regular driver Andy Harrington when stable mate Just Aftermidnight (9-2, Kevin Switzer Jr.) made a break right in front of him while heading to the quarter pole in 30.1.

While Cheatin Fate was regaining his ground in the two-hole, I’m Not Maverick (13-1, John Beckwith) arrived first over into a 1:02.2 softer half.  Following that live cover was the headstrong Jax Attack (6-5, Walter Case Jr.) who had since recovered from his earlier rambunctiousness.

With the outer flow fading into that faster 1:32 third panel, Cheatin Fate was poised to pounce in the pocket behind the pacesetting This Dudes Perfect (11-1, Heath Campbell).  Around the final turn Harrington tipped his charge and rolled off the turn and started to bear down on the leader.  Gaining ground with every stride the once discounted equine prevailed by 1-1/4 lengths.

Owned and trained by Marc Tardif, it was the colt’s first lifetime victory and fastest mile here-to-date.  He was bred in Maine by Kristina and Gary Hall and paid $5.00 to win.

This Dudes Perfect finished second; Jax Attack was third.

In the second $16,161 division it was a Tardif Trifecta as the 1-9 favorite Massive Speed utilized a perfect pocket trip to grab his fourth career victory in a new lifetime best 2:00.3.  Undefeated thus far this season, the son of Dude’s The Man is trained by Marc Tardif for owner Leighton Property.  He paid $2.20 to win and was bred by Laurie Harding.

Tardif stable mates completed the trifecta ticket with Dawn Two Dark (Harrington) and Ella V Dude (Switzer) caught in an official dead heat photo for second.

The Maine Sire Stakes continues at Topsham with a one day push due to rain on Sunday.  The 3-year-old filly pacers were originally scheduled for Monday (Aug. 5) and the 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers slated for Tuesday (Aug. 6).  Those divisions are reportedly set to race on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.

For more information about the Maine Sire Stakes, follow our facebook page @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website:  https://www.mainesirestakes.com

August 4, 2024, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – On Cumberland Raceway’s richest day of the summer meet Ron Cushing’s Ever Hoping A set a track record in the $25,000 Pine Tree Invitational on Saturday (Aug. 3), which was also the loftiest purse of the year at the iconic Southern Maine oval.

Scoring from post four, driver and co-owner Ron Cushing let several of the anxious speedsters blast out to the front.  First to the point was 16-1 longshot Skyway Victor and Drew Campbell.  Around the turn Hespoisedtopounce (Andy Harrington) jumped into the two-hole in front of 4-5 wagering favorite Heinikin Bythebay and leading reinsman Kevin Switzer Jr.

Switzer wasted no time down the backstretch before moving to the rim and ultimately taking command into a swift 27 second opening panel.  As the field of top pacers moved toward the half, Ever Hoping A flushed the cover of The Wild Card (5-2, Nick Graffam) as the tightly bunched group moved toward the softer 56.3 half mile marker.

Pacing down the backstretch for the final time Graffam urged The Wild Card while Switzer kept Heinikin Bythebay rolling on the lead.  With time running out Cushing pulled Ever Hoping A three-wide on the backside into a fast 1:24.3 third stanza as the rest of the talented group is stacked up behind him.

With the slingshot momentum in his favor Cushing urged his horse through the lane to prevail by half a length in 1:53.4, resulting in a track record for an aged pacing gelding and equaled the all-age track record at Cumberland.

Driven and co-owned by Ron Cushing with partners Stephen Downey, Ronald ‘Steve’ Ralph and Romanelli Racing, the 6-year-old Australian-bred son of Always B Miki picked up his 17^th lifetime victory.  He paid $10.80 to win for listed trainer Carlos Rodriguez.

Heinikin Bythebay finished second; Skyway Victor was third.

In other signature events, trainer Alison Hynes sent the Walter Case Jr.-driven Lifes A Puzzle out to a 1:55 triumph in the $12,500 Frank M. Dubeuil Jr. Memorial.

At the start an early tussle between JK Objection (Heath Campbell) and the other Alison Hynes-trained entrant and 7-5 favorite Call Me Maverick (John Beckwith) resulted in a blistering 26.4 opening panel.

With his stable mate cutting the fractions Case flushed the cover of Rocksapatriot (Dave Ingraham) while heading into the 56.2 half.

While gapping out his cover going down the backstretch Walter Case Jr. was forced three wide around the second-over Bet On Joe (Switzer), past the 1:25 third quarter pole, and through the final turn to swoop the leaders and triumph by a tight length.

Owned by Richard Humphrey with special recognition to the Gordon Corey Institute of Equine Erudition, the 4-year-old son of Lazarus N picked up his 9^th lifetime win.  Scoring from post seven, he paid $13.80 to win.

The victory marked the triumphant return of Walter Case Jr. who was sidelined for the last two weeks by a racing mishap.  Proclaimed as our local ‘Rocky Balboa’ by track announcer Scott Ehrlich, the 63-year-old reinsman had two wins on the card and finished third in the seasonal driver’s standings behind leader Kevin Switzer Jr. (67) and Drew Campbell (42) who overtook second place with five wins on the final day’s program. 

Campbell’s five victories included: Luke McGook (1:54.3, $4.00), Rose Run Slider (1:57.1, $14.80), Silk Road Smash (1:55.2, $3.80), Little Macabee (1:59.1, $45.20) winning the $12,500 Winners Over Trot, and the finale with Polyester (1:56.3, $6.60).

Trainer Marc Tardif, whose powerful Maine Sire Stakes stable concentrates on young horses, finished the meet in first place with 27 victories, with his three afternoon’s victories vaulting him in front of Bob Marston who finished second in the standings with 25 wins.  Early leader Jeff Deslandes was third with 24 trips to the winners circle.

Track record holder Ry’s Red Rocket and Bruce Ranger took the $12,500 Fillies and Mares Winners Over Pace in 1:55.2.  Owned and trained by Don Richards, the 7-year-old daughter of Sunshine Beach was bred by Linwood Higgins and picked up her 28^th career victory, paying $3.40 to win.

Former national amateur driving champion Todd ‘Too Tough’ Whitney who finished third in the Hambletonian Amateur Drivers Trot at the Meadowlands on Friday night (Aug. 2) was back in Maine the next day to compete in the $8,000 Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) final.  He went wire-to-wire with Vel Miss Taylor from post three to score by 6-3/4 lengths in 1:59.  Trained by Chris Lefebvre for owner Mo Coo Inc., the 4-year-old daughter of Ponder grabbed her 13^th lifetime win.  They paid $11.60 to win.

MADC points leader Hunter Lofthus finished second with his own Forrest Blu; Jonathan Bresnahan was third with Fly Away BB.  The MADC is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine.

Harness racing action resumes during the annual Cumberland Fair for a week of live action beginning September 22 and continuing through Sept. 29.  The track’s 19-day Winter Festival begins November 2 and races through December 22 and will include the popular Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies.

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

August 3, 2024, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Several of the six fillies in the $16,171 Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing fillies tried valiantly, but none could reel in wire-to-wire winner Chasing Dudes on Friday (Aug. 2) at Cumberland Raceway. 

Scoring for the second straight week, the daughter of Dude’s The Man never had an anxious moment as driver Nick Graffam set comfortable fractions of 30.1 and 1:02.4 in the opening half. 9-5 wagering favorite Glorilla (Ron Cushing) was the first to pull to the outside and challenge going past the stands to the 5/8’s marker.  Thinkin Bout Life (Walter Case Jr.) was also thinking about improving her position as she was second over.

By the swifter 1:33 third panel Glorilla was at the wheel of the pacesetting Chasing Dudes, with the field stacked up behind them heading into the final turn.  Graffam let out a notch through the apex and got a little breathing room from the rest of the pack.

Down the stretch Glorilla took one more shot at the leader, but to no avail.  Chasing Dudes tripped the timer in 2:03.3, winning by measured length margin.

Trained and co-owned by Mike Graffam with breeder Bob Marston, it was the filly’s second win in a row from just five lifetime starts.  She paid $7.60 to win.

Glorilla finished second; Audry (Steve Wilson) was third.

Nick Graffam picked up another two wins on the program, and leading reinsman Kevin Switzer Jr. had a grand slam.

Saturday’s 14-race closing day card (special post time 3:25 pm) includes all of the track’s regular betting options, including 50-cent Pick-5 (races 3-7 & 9-13); 50-cent Pick-4 (races 11-14); 50-cent Pick 3 (races 12-14), all with a low 16-percent take out. The 14^th race Pentafecta (High 5) has a $228.15 carryover.

There is also full card simulcasting of Hambletonian Day at the Meadowlands and Whitney Stakes Day at Saratoga.  Gates open at 11 am and programs from those two big tracks will be available.

The action at Cumberland starts with two $16,000-plus divisions for Maine-sired freshmen male pacers.  The opener pits Jax Attack (7-5, Walter Case Jr.) against Cheatin Fate (3-1, Andrew Harrington) who both hail from the powerful Tardif Taskforce.  Just Aftermidnight (3-1, Switzer) completes the stable’s troika.

The second $16,161 Maine Sire Stakes division shows Massive Speed (3-5, Case-Tardif) as the heavy favorite, with that third race named in memory of tack shop man ‘Ridgecrest’ Dan Chamberlin.

Race seven is the $12,500 Frank Dubreuil Jr. Memorial which is a winners over class of top pacers led by former Maine Sire Stakes champion Call Me Maverick (2-1, John Beckwith).  Other contenders are Lifes A Puzzle (5-2, Case) and Bet On Joe (9-2, Switzer).

Race eight is the $8,000 Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) final with runaway point leader Hunter Lofthus looking to secure his spot in the Tim Fouts Memorial Amateur Driving Championship at Delaware during Jug week.  The MADC is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine. 

In addition to the $12,500 winners over trot and several $10,000 pop up series finals, the highlight of the day may be the $25,000 Pine Tree Invitational Pace, which presents some of the best pacers in the state of Maine.  The early favorite is Heinikin Bythebay (9-5, Switzer) who scores from pylon position.  He is followed by The Wild Card (4-1, Graffam) and So Rock N’ Roll (5-1, Bruce Ranger).

The live action resumes during the annual Cumberland Fair for a week of racing beginning September 22 and continuing through Sept. 29.  The track’s 19-day Winter Festival begins November 2 and races through December 22 and will include the popular Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies.

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

August 2, 2024, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – Cumberland’s closing weekend purses have reached nearly a quarter of a million dollars when the track will offer $235,500 in purses on Friday (August 2) and Saturday (Aug. 3).  Led by the $25,000 Pine Tree Invitational Pace and three $16,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for freshmen pacers, the two-day extravaganza has 25 races for fans and bettors alike to enjoy.

The action starts of Friday (Aug. 2) at 3:15 pm with the lone $16,171 Maine-bred division of 2-year-old pacing fillies.  Three frosh females lead the charge and are equally accomplished with one win apiece.  The slight favorite is Leanne Marie (5-2, Mike Cushing) followed by Glorilla (3-1, Ron Cushing) and Chasing Dudes (3-1, Nick Graffam).  Throw in bridesmaid Whisper Of Luck (3-1, Kevin Switzer Jr.) and the punters will have their work cut out for them.

Nearly a dozen $5,000, $6,000 and $7,000 pop-up series finals are sprinkled throughout the card and will make for very exciting harness racing.

Friday’s 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.

Moving on to closing day on Saturday (Aug. 3), has a special 3:25 pm post time with full card simulcasting of Hambletonian Day at the Meadowlands and Whitney Stakes Day at Saratoga.  Gates open at 11 am and programs from those two big tracks will be available.

At Cumberland Raceway Saturday’s 14-race card starts with two $16,000-plus divisions for Maine-sired freshmen male pacers.  The opener pits Jax Attack (7-5, Walter Case Jr.) against Cheatin Fate (3-1, Andrew Harrington) who both hail from the powerful Tardif Taskforce.  Just Aftermidnight (3-1, Switzer) completes the stable’s troika.

The second $16,161 Maine Sire Stakes division shows Massive Speed (3-5, Case-Tardif) as the heavy favorite, with that third race named in memory of tack shop man ‘Ridgecrest’ Dan Chamberlin.

Race seven is the $12,500 Frank Dubreuil Jr. Memorial which is a winners over class of top pacers led by former Maine Sire Stakes champion Call Me Maverick (2-1, John Beckwith).  Other contenders are Lifes A Puzzle (5-2, Case) and Bet On Joe (9-2, Switzer).

Race eight is the $8,000 Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) final with runaway point leader Hunter Lofthus looking to secure his spot in the Tim Fouts Memorial Amateur Driving Championship at Delaware during Jug week.  The MADC is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine. 

In addition to the $12,500 winners over trot and several $10,000 pop up series finals, the highlight of the day may be the $25,000 Pine Tree Invitational Pace, which presents some of the best pacers in the state of Maine.  The early favorite is Heinikin Bythebay (9-5, Switzer) who scores from pylon position.  He is followed by The Wild Card (4-1, Graffam) and So Rock N’ Roll (5-1, Bruce Ranger).

The live action resumes during the annual Cumberland Fair for a week of racing beginning September 22 and continuing through Sept. 29.  The track’s 19-day Winter Festival begins November 2 and races through December 22 and will include the popular Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies.

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

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/