First Tracks Cumberland’s second 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 our 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 favourite in race four is Northview Punter N (post three, Bruce Ranger) who looks to tangle early with Librado Hanover (post five, Aaron Hall).

Race six pits Eternal Ring (post three) and the hot hands of Dan Deslandes who won six races last Saturday (April 9), against Weallgottrumped (post five, 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 favourites in that event with Captain Nash (post three, Bruce Ranger) and Nagle (post four, 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 p.m. to allow for the overflow of horses in the paddock during the regular card.

The 12th race finale on both Friday and Saturday features our new 20-cent Hi-Five (Pentafecta), with a low takeout of 16 per cent.

(First Tracks Cumberland)