The 12-race card at First Tracks Cumberland on Friday, June 14 carried three features worth $6,575 each, with each race resulting in a new seasonal mark for each of the three victors.
In the first of two $6,575 trots, favourite Power Mitt (pictured) had everything his own way and cruised somewhat effortlessly to 6-3/4-length, wire-to-wire romp with Kevin Switzer Jr. along for the ride in 1:58.1. It was a new seasonal mark for the five-year-old son of Explosive Matter, who is trained by Bob Marston for owner Dana Goding. Paying just $2.60, it was Power Mitt’s third win of the year. Mister Muscle (Nick Graffam) finished second and Thruway (Walter Case Jr.) was third.
In the middle half of the $6,575 tri-feature, Katelyns Angel dominated a group of seasoned pacing mares to score in a season-equalling best 1:56.2. Driven by Bruce Ranger for trainer Benson Merrill and owner-breeder Leighton Property, the four-year-old Maine-bred daughter of Western Maverick controlled the tempo and paid $5.60 to win by a scant 1-1/4 lengths. Martaritaontherocks (Drew Campbell) finished second and Rojas Blue Chip (Mike Stevenson) was third.
In the third event, trotting favourite C You Again DK (Bruce Ranger) sat in the two-hole until they could see daylight past the three-quarter pole and sprung out to take command around the final turn and score by a length in 1:59.4. Trained by Benson Merrill for owner Issac Barajas, the Danish-bred 10-year-old son of The Liquidator paid $3.80 to win for the first time this season. To My Credit (Case) finished second and Prescott (Andy Harrington) was third.
Because everyone loves a gray horse and good story with a big payoff, Delightful Virgin swooped the field going from last to first to win a $4,400 fillies and mares conditioned pace. The six-year-old gray mare by Always A Virgin took matters into her own hands when the pace stalled, racing three-wide down the backside to score in 1:58.1 for driver ‘Double Digit’ Dave Ingraham and owner-trainer Kelly Case. The mare paid $16.20 to win, her first in several months and 15th lifetime.
Driver Kevin Switzer Jr. enjoyed three wins on the program, with Dan Deslandes and Bruce Ranger each picking up a pair. Trainers Bob Marston and Benson Merrill both grabbed two wins on the card.
The Maine Sire Stakes returns on Saturday, June 15 when Cumberland Raceway will host two $16,000-plus USD divisions for three-year-old filly pacers, plus a $6,000 USD top pace, and two $5,000 USD divisions of the Maine Amateur Driving Club on the 11-race card. There is a carryover in the Pick-5 in Races 3 through 7.
(First Tracks Cumberland)