Adding another victory to her win column at Cumberland on Tuesday (Nov. 23), pacing mare Humor Me has been a lot of fun for owner Pete Haskell and trainer Kimberley Vafiades.
For the 11th time this season, the six-year-old daughter of Bettors Delight has found the Blue Seal winners circle at the iconic Southern Maine oval. Despite the conditions being less than ideal, Humor Me cruised to a four-length score while in rein to driver Nick Graffam.
Leaving from post three, Ranger methodically worked his way to the lead over the muddy surface and kept the mare on the point for a mile in 2:02.1. The opening event was the featured race of the day, and with Humor Me the favourite -- a $2 win ticket still paid $4.80. Moonshinecharleigh (Walter Case Jr.) finished second and Whatchagonnadoboo (Aaron Hall) was third.
The challenging surface wreaked havoc on the chalk as no betting favourite won another heat until the 10th race finale. Top driver Bruce Ranger scored with Rockin Lisa, which was his second victory of the day and put him back into first place in the driver standings at Cumberland. Ranger is just one dash ahead of fellow Maine driver Drew Campbell (52-51), the latter being just three scores away from reaching the 5,500-win plateau.
Drivers Dan Deslandes, Mike Stevenson and Kevin Switzer Jr. also enjoyed driving doubles.
Racing resumes on Friday, Nov. 26 with three divisions of the Maine Amateur Driving Club and all the regular wagering products that punters would want or expect on a Black Friday harness racing program, including a Pick 5, Pick 4, Pick 3, a 20-cent Super, two daily doubles, and exacta and trifecta wagering in every race. The Pick 5 features a $2,500 guaranteed pool.
Horsepeople should note that several Late Closers for the Winter Festival Late Closing Series will start in a few short weeks. For more information, visit firsttrackscumberland.com.
(With files from First Tracks Cumberland)