Ron Cushing steered Rock Diamonds N to a nose victory over Twomacsoneshadow to capture the $6,000 Winners Over feature in 1:55.2 at Cumberland on a special Wednesday afternoon card.
The winning time was the fastest of the season at the new First Tracks Cumberland meet, and gave driver/co-owner Ron Cushing his first win over the Southern Maine surface this season.
Trained by Heidi Gibbs and co-owned with Kevin Sywyk, the eight-year-old son of Rocknroll Hanover has now hit the board six times in his last 12 starts. Rock Diamonds N paid $2.60 to win.
One of the highlights of the afternoon was the first training win for 19-year-old Christopher DuBois, who visited the winner’s circle with his own Panhellenic, a 14-year-old son of No Pan Intended. The Mechanic Falls, Maine resident had his father, sister, nieces and nephews join him for the celebration of getting his first victory in 17 tries, with a 20-1 longshot!
Driven to victory by Kevin Switzer, Jr, Panhellenic paid a whopping $42.00 to win.
The second fastest race of the day was captured by Safety Second in 1:57.1, a pacing event for $5,000 claimers. Driven by Dan Deslandes for trainer Karl Butterfield, the six-year-old gelded son of Custard The Dragon is owned by Barry Franklin, Westbury, NY.
Safety Second paid $3.00 to win.
Bruce Ranger enjoyed a back-to-back driving triple on the nine-race card, duplicating his efforts yesterday, including victories both trot races. Heath Campbell had two wins on the card.
Racing from Cumberland continues Saturday, Preakness Day, May 15, first post 4:15 p.m.
(First Tracks Cumberland)