Drew Campbell took a three-win lead in the driver standings at Cumberland on Wednesday (Dec. 8) while taking two $5,000 legs of the Fred Nichols Memorial Late Closing Pacing Series.
Wasting no time on the snowy Maine morning, Campbell showed little concern for the rest of the field as he brushed Commondiscourtesy directly to the front in the opener. Posting relatively swift fractions of 29, 1:00.2 and 1:29.3 considering the conditions, the seven-year-old son of Sagebrush cruised comfortably to the wire in 1:59.
Owned by Richard Knight and trained by Randy Bickmore, Commondiscourtesy paid $5.80 to win and grabbed the 18th victory of his career. Wagering favourite Cool Jack (Aaron Hall) finished second and Tail Hook (Wally Watson) was third.
Campbell came right back in race three to continue his winning ways, taking the second of three legs of the Fred Nichols Memorial with Through The Fence.
Leaving sharply in the wind-driven snow was Through The Fence and Sanattle Slew (Dan Deslandes), with the latter brushing forward to the lead and the former getting a two-hole trip. Leading up to a 1:00.1 half, Bruce Ranger pulled Po Po Dee first over and began his ascent toward the leader.
As the field passed the three-quarters in 1:29.1, Po Po Dee had headed the leader Sanattle Slew and a battle around the final turn ensued, which continued through the stretch. Campbell found racing room up the inside and poked a nose in front at the wire with Through The Fence in 1:59.2.
Owned and trained by Lisa Saindon, the eight-year-old son of Funny Bones picked up his 25th lifetime victory and paid $5 to win. Po Po Dee finished second and Sanattle Slew was third.
The third and final leg of the Fred Nichols Memorial was captured by Obscene Blue Chip in 1:58.4, with a wire-to-wire score for driver Matt Athearn. Trained by Ken Secord for owner Cris Wescott, the seven-year-old son of Western Ideal paid $8.60 to win. Mach Diesel (Bruce Ranger) finished second and wagering favourite Joey The Third (Andy Harrington) was third.
Named for the man that was instrumental in keeping Maine's harness racing industry alive, Nichols wore many hats in our industry, including, but not limited to USTA director, race secretary and promotions director.
Campbell had three wins on the program, giving him 63 on the season at Cumberland, ahead of Bruce Ranger with 60.
Racing resumes Saturday (Dec. 11) with two divisions of the Maine Amateur Driving Club. Cumberland also races Sunday (Dec. 12), with post time for both dates remaining 11 a.m.
(With files from First Tracks Cumberland)