Deslandes closes gap on driving title

CUMBERLAND, ME – Third leading harness racing driver Dan Deslandes made a big leap toward catching up with the First Tracks Cumberland drivers colony frontrunners, winning three races on Tuesday (Dec. 7), including the Grumpy Old Man Pace.

Deslandes wasted no time putting the lively veteran Rocnrolwilneverdie on the front end in the $4,000 event for pacers 10-years-old and older.  Scoring from post four, trainer/driver Deslandes hit the gas immediately and controlled the tempo for the entire mile over the muddy surface.  By the quarter pole the race was for second place as American Fighter (Nick Graffam) had Ain’t No Mo (Drew Campbell) lookin’ him in the eye first over.

At the head of the stretch Deslandes put the 11-year-old son of Rocknroll Hanover into overdrive and by the time they hit the wire, he had gained two and half lengths on the rest of the field.  Dancin Hill (Bruce Ranger) made it a three-way fight for place and ultimately prevailed to be second best.

Rocnrolwilneverdie is owned by Dan and Jeff Deslandes with Danny King and paid $4.80 to win in 2:05.1 with a minus three time allowance.

ROCNROLWILNEVERDIE REPLAY

Three divisions of the opening leg of the Rick Cushing Memorial Late Closing Series went post ward on the Tuesday Card, the first of which resulted in an eye opening $76.40 win ticket for the backers of Bettoriffic.

Matt Athearn got away last and could see ‘em all with 11 lengths separating his horse from the Cyclone Pass (Nick Graffam) who had scooted to the front from post five.  Out and rolling past the half, Athearn continued to gain ground on the leaders and was back a little over four lengths at the three-quarter pole.

By the head of the stretch the 37-1 shot had shortened his gap to two lengths and was poised to charge from fifth and swoop the field down the lane.

Getting up by a length, Athearn gave the 12-year-old son of Bettor’s Delight the 27^th victory of his career for owner/trainer Adam Gray.  Whatchagonnadoboo (Aaron Hall) finished second, and Redbreast Hanover (Wally Watson) was third.  The trio combined for a $1,689.70 trifecta.

The second leg of the Rick Cushing Memorial was captured by Safety Second (Deslandes/Butterfield), with the third leg going to Pembroke Ranger (Luke Varnum).  Roderick “Rick” Cushing of Wilton, Maine was a well-respected trainer & driver for over 40 years on the New England circuit and is also the late father of Mike and Ron Cushing, who have carried on the family’s commitment and passion for Maine harness racing.

Dan Deslandes had additional two wins on the program, which put him within ten wins (50) of Drew Campbell and Bruce Ranger who are now tied at 60 wins each.  Andy Harrington also won two races on the card, sweeping the late double.

Racing resumes Saturday (Dec. 11) and Sunday (Dec. 12), post time for both dates is 11:00 a.m.

The Winter Festival extended pari-mutuel meeting continues with live harness racing several days each week through December 31, 2021.

For more information, go to our website: firsttrackscumberland.com.

For full race results, click here.

by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland