Pacing series legs held before storms cancel racing

CUMBERLAND, ME – Despite the heavy rain that forced the cancellation of much of the Saturday (Jul. 29) card, the track at Cumberland was lightning fast for Sunday’s (Jul. 30) five $7,000 harness racing 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 (Artspeak) 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 picked up her 17^th 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 (Betterthancheddar) 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 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 (Western Terror) in 1:56.4.  Driven by Drew Campbell for trainer Chris Lefebvre and owner Michelle Lefebvre, the 9-year-old picked up the 23^rd 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.

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For more information, check out our website: First Tracks Cumberland

by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland