Kick-Off Series heads Cumberland weekend

First Tracks Cumberland’s second harness racing weekend boasts two cards with a dozen races on both Friday (April 15) and Saturday (April 16) and is headlined by multiple divisions of the Kick-Off Late Closer series.

Two $4,000 divisions go as races four and six on Friday, which enjoy full, competitive fields looking for a spot in the $8,000 final on April 22.  The early morning line favorite in race four is Northview Punter N (post 3, Bruce Ranger) who looks to tangle early with Librado Hanover (post 5, Aaron Hall).

Race six pits Eternal Ring (post 3) and the hot hands of Dan Deslandes who won six races last Saturday (April 9), against Weallgottrumped (post 5, Kevin Switzer Jr.).  Both races should unfold with plenty of action on the track and at the betting ‘windows.’

Three Open level trots are also featured on the Friday card, races one (start of the Pick-5), race nine (start of the Pick-4), and race 11.  The weather forecast for Friday (April 15) in Southern Maine is projected to be sunny and in the mid-60s, which will make the conditions ideal for plenty of fast miles.

Saturday’s card is highlighted by five divisions of the Kick-Off series, with three $5,000 divisions of event #2 and a pair of $6,000 splits for the top event # 3.  The finals for these events both race on April 23 and boast a purse of $10,000 and $12,000 respectively.

Two Open level pacing events share the marquee on Saturday (April 16), slated for race one (Pick-5) and the race six $6,500 Open I-II.  An ownership entry leads the morning line favorites in that event with Captain Nash (post 3, Bruce Ranger) and Nagle (post 4, Dan Deslandes).

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 twelfth race finale on both Friday and Saturday features our new 20 cent Hi-Five (Pentafecta), with a low takeout of 16%.

More information can be found on our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com and on our Facebook page: First Tracks Cumberland.

by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland