Cross-state battle brewing at Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – The Polar Express has arrived at the Cumberland station, and with it a large group of Bay State performers have disembarked.

With Plainridge Park in Massachusetts holding their final harness racing cards of the season late last week, many New England horsemen have opted to continue to race their Standardbreds at Cumberland, given the attractive purse structure, as well as the expansive condition sheet.

Friday (Dec. 2) marks the opening legs of the Late Closing series (#1) of the same name, offering horses and horse people increased earning opportunities for the next three weeks.  Boasting a $10,000 final with two $4,000 elimination legs over the next two weeks, thirteen horses have thrown their luggage on the first Polar Express.

The first division (race one) has Cee Pee Panic (Nick Graffam) installed as the 5-2 morning line favorite, with recent winner JJ Maximus (3-1, Aaron Hall) looking for a repeat from his outside post position.  Tuukka (7-2, Walter Case Jr.) left Monticello for northern climes, and will try his luck on the new surface.

The race four, second $4,000 division of the series pits Eternal Ring (5-2, Mike Stevenson) against Dancin Hill (3-1, Matt Athearn), both of whom picked up the show dough in their respective last starts.  The most consistent horse of the bunch is Cash Crazy Express (7-2, Aaron Hall) who has been first or second in his last seven starts, but has to contend with post seven.

The Saturday (Dec. 3) program contains twelve full-field races, which includes several open pace events as well two $5,000 elimination legs of the Polar Express Late Closing Series # 2.  The final goes for $12,000 on Saturday (Dec. 17).

Road Untraveled (3-1, Nick Graffam) and American Road (5-2, Walter Case Jr.) lead the convoy in the first division, given their current form.  However, pass on Twin B Frenchtoast (7-2, Kevin Switzer Jr.) or Rojas Blue Chip (4-1, Mike Stevenson) as both have the ability to rev their engines against this group.

In the second division Stormin Maverick (5-2, Walter Case Jr.) will attract some attention from inside, as will Bailey’s Legacy (4-1, Nick Graffam).  Celebrate Your Bet (7-2, Andy Harrington) and Bet On Success (3-1, Bruce Ranger) also have a punters chance.

Saturday’s featured $6,500 Open 2 Pace marks the return of several fast-class pacers from Plainridge, including track record holder Adriano Hanover (5-2, Kevin Switzer Jr.) and Bag Pipe Major (3-1, Bruce Ranger).  They both have a pair of competitive locals on their inside to contend with, namely Ry’s Red Rocket (9-2, Matt Athearn) and Rocksapatriot (5-1, Dave Ingraham).

Rolling through to Sunday (Dec. 4), four $6,000 divisions of the Polar Express L/C # 3  highlight the twelve race card, with an additional $6,500 Open 2 Trot to start things off.

Broadway Giant (5-2, Bruce Ranger) looks to repeat in the opener against this southern Maine Open trotting group, with several Plainridge invaders looking for some easier pickings.

In the four Polar Express # 3 elimination legs, Outspoken Man (race 2, Bruce Ranger), Kick The Dirt Up (race 4, Matt Athearn), Nets of Passion (race 6, Dave Ingraham), and Sweet Sally Sue (race 8, Kevin Switzer Jr.) are the early morning line favorites.  The Polar Express # 3 final goes for $15,000 on Dec. 18.

Every race, all weekend long, has a 50-cent Trifecta, and the final race each day also features a 20-cent Pentafecta.

The popular Au Revior Retirement Showcase for 14-year-old Standardbreds is slated for Saturday, December 17 and boasts 18 total participants with one ‘Geriatric Pace’ event scheduled with a full field of soon-to-be retirees.

Our extended pari-mutuel harness racing meet runs through December 24, 2022 with the first post at 11 am each day.

For more information go to our website.

Follow us on Facebook at @FirstTracksCumberland.

For complete Friday race entries, click here.

For complete Saturday race entries, click here.

For complete Sunday race entries, click here.

by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland