Driver Andy Harrington patiently let all the leavers leave, and the breakers break, to wear down the competition and prevail with Prescott in Sunday’s (Nov. 27) featured $6,000 Open 3-4 Trot at Cumberland.
Scoring from pylon position, Harrington let three horses battle for command of the opening fractions, with Mister Muscle (Walter Case Jr.) asserting himself on the front end while posting a :28.2 first quarter. Settling down a bit, the field hit the half in :58.3 with Prescott inheriting the third position behind Namesmuscle (Mark Athearn) in second.
Harrington pulled first-over past the stands and eventually took command just past the 1:28.2 third panel, with wagering favourite Little Macabee (Aaron Hall) hot on his heels. As the field turned for home, Harrington was able to put some distance between Prescott and his challengers, drawing off to win by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:59.2. Osprey Delta (Mike Stevenson) closed quickly to be second and Little Macabee finished third.
Owned by Robert Gibbs and trained by Sara Harrington, the six-year-old son of Yankee Glide paid $13.80 to win for the sixth time this year.
The swiftest event of the day, under sunny Maine skies and mid-40s temperatures, was captured by Twin B Impressive in 1:56.4 taking the $5,200 conditioned pace. Driven by Bruce Ranger, the 13-year-old son of Bettors Delight made every call a winning one and put three lengths between himself and Thinking Of Slim (Aaron Hall), who finished second. Twin B Impressive paid $4.60 to win. He is owned by The Starter’s Call Stable and trainer Mary Ranger, wife of the leading reinsman who enjoyed three driving wins on the day’s card.
In fact, Bruce Ranger’s third victory of the day came aboard Bali (1:58.4, $4.20), who is also owned by The Starter’s Call and trained by Mary Ranger. Matt Athearn and Wally Watson each enjoyed driving doubles on the program.
Racing resumes Friday, Dec. 2 with the first round of the Polar Express Late Closing Series, with live racing continuing on Saturday (Dec. 3) and Sunday (Dec. 4) with a 11 a.m. first post. First Tracks Cumberland’s extended pari-mutuel harness racing meet runs through Dec. 24. The popular Au Revior Retirement Showcase for 14-year-old Standardbreds is slated for Dec. 17, with entries due by Nov. 30.
(First Tracks Cumberland)