Bet On Joe captured the featured $8,219 conditioned pace at First Tracks Cumberland on Saturday, May 11, picking up his second win in eight starts this year, and rewarding his backers with a ‘triple return’ on their investment.
Unraced at two, the now-nine-year-old has taken a seasonal mark every year since lining up behind a starting car -- the fastest was 1:54f at Plainridge Park in 2022. Having overcome many obstacles, Bet On Joe has been quietly plying his trade in New England since he was a sophomore.
“He is the true definition of a war horse,” said his trainer, Bob Marston.
Plagued with injuries most of his career, his past performances may seem a little threadbare to some. But, not according to Marston.
“'Joe' is all heart. He has rebounded from multiple setbacks that would have been the end of most horse’s careers. But, he just keeps coming back… stronger every time,” Marston continued. “He’s the barn favourite.”
A proud product of prolific stallion Bettors Delight, and from the Falcon Seelster mare Ante Fay, the gelding comes by his grit and determination honestly. Both his dam and his second dam earned six figures in their careers and his Saturday score put his own bankroll over $100,000.
Scoring from post two, driver Bruce Ranger sat Bet On Joe in the two-hole behind pacesetter Rocksapatriot and tipped out down the homestretch to win in 1:56. He paid $6.40 to win. Trained by Marsten for owner Sharon Goding, who has owned him for the last five seasons, he now has 17 career victories.
Gordon Corey’s Call Me Maverick (Mike Stevenson) finished second and Lexus Witha View A (Nick Graffam) was third.
David Zuckerman took his first Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) race of the season with his own Rest Assured in 2:00.4, paying $9.20 to win. Jo Pas Sweet Lou (Alex Richardson) finished second and Furious Beach (Mike Girouard) was third. The $6,849 MADC is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine.
Legendary Maine horseman Donny Richards picked up a win with his seven-year-old mare Rys Red Rocket, taking a $7,534 fillies and mares conditioned pace in 1:57.2. Walter Case Jr. drove the mare for the 91-year-old trainer with 947 victories and boasts 4,212 driving wins of his own.
Case Jr., Ranger and Kevin Switzer Jr. all picked up driving doubles on the day’s program. After five weeks and 10 racing dates, Dan Deslandes and Switzer Jr. are tied at 19 wins in the driver standings. Ranger (11), Aaron Hall (10) and Drew Campbell (nine) round out the top five. Jeff Deslandes leads all conditioners with 18 victories, followed by Larry Dancer (11) and Bob Marston (nine).
Racing resumes next Friday, May 17 and continues on Saturday, May 18 when horse racing enthusiasts can watch and wager on 149th Preakness Stakes from Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. Considered the “middle jewel” of the Thoroughbred Triple Crown, the race is known as the ‘Run for the Black-Eyed Susans’ with Cumberland hosting the full-card simulcast. Post time is 3:15 p.m.
(With files from First Tracks Cumberland)