First Tracks Cumberland’s three Kick-Off Late Closer Series finals go postward on Friday (April 22) and Saturday (April 23), which collectively boast $30,000 in harness racing purses.
On the Friday (April 22) 13-race card, the Kick-Off #1 final carries a prize of $8,000 and is slated as race 12. The early morning line favorite is Northview Punter N, who retains the services of Bruce Ranger following a 2:00.2 victory in his elimination race. The 13-year-old son of Bettor’s Delight scores from post five and is owned and trained by Michelle Hardin and was installed at 5-2.
Second choice at 3-1 is the other elimination winner She’sallfinn. Owned and trained by Rex Ellis, the 9-year-old daughter of Duneside Perch took her elim. in 2:00.1 by five lengths.
The field for the Kick-Off LC # 1 is as follows with post position, horse, morning line odds, driver & trainer:
1, That’s Some Plan, 6-1, Mike Stevenson, Mike Stevenson
2, Shadytouch, 7-2, Andy Harrington, Sherry Cushing
3, Seafood King, 5-1, Drew Campbell, Richard Bartlett
4, Librado Hanover, 9-2, Aaron Hall, Ryan Hall
5, Northview Punter N, 5-2, Bruce Ranger, Michelle Harding
6, She’sallfinn, 3-1, Matt Athearn, Rex Ellis
7, Eternal Ring, 4-1, Dan Deslandes, Dalton Lee
Saturday’s (April 23) 11-race card is headlined by two more Kick-Off finals, presented as races 7 and 9 on the program.
The morning line favorite for the $10,000 Kick Off LC # 2 series final is Oceanview Echo, who won his last two starts, including last week’s elim in 1:59.2. Driven by Walter Case Jr. for owner/trainer Dana Whittemore, the 5-year-old Rollwithitharry mare will have to contend with Meetmeatthedance and Sandinista, who both won their respective elimination races.
The field for the Kick-Off LC # 2:
1, Sandinista, 7-2, Andy Harrington, Sara Harrington
2, Meetmeatthedance, 3-1, Kevin Switzer Jr., Bob Marston
3, Oceanview Echo, 5-2, Walter Case Jr., Dan Whittemore
4, Smart Move, 5-1, Aaron Hall, Sherry Cushing
5, Racing For Rick, 4-1, Dan Deslandes, Zack Gray
6, Silver Shooter, 9-2, Drew Campbell, Bob Marston
7, Three Day Forecast, 6-1, Matt Athearn, Ryan Berry
Kick-Off LC #3 carries a $12,000 final purse, is led by favorite Count To Three, and gets a driver change to 2021’s leading Cumberland dash winner Drew Campbell. Owned by Michelle Lefebvre and trained by Chris Lefebvre, the 5-year-old Mach Three mare is sporting two victories in her last three outings.
The field for the Kick-Off LC # 3:
1, Rose Run Slider, 9-2, Dan Deslandes, Mark Harris
2, Baywood Shadow, 6-1, Kevin Switzer Jr., Billy Dubois
3, Eleanor Jean, 4-1, Gary Mosher, Christine Holt
4, Cyclone Pass, 7-2, Nick Graffam, Mike Graffam
5, Count To Three, 5-2, Drew Campbell, Chris Lefebvre
6, Rockintheniteaway, 5-1, Matt Athearn, Billy Dubois
7, Colorful Speech, 3-1, Bruce Ranger, Zach Vickerson
Post time for the Spring/Summer meet is set for 3 p.m. on both Fridays and Saturdays, with the extended pari-mutuel meeting racing each weekend through July 23.
Qualifiers for Saturday at Cumberland have been moved up to 1 pm to allow for the overflow of horses in the paddock during the regular card.
The final race on both Friday and Saturday features our 20 cent Hi-Five (Pentafecta), with a low takeout of 16%.
More information can be found on our website: and on our Facebook page: First Tracks Cumberland.
by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland