Driver Nick Graffam and trainer Mike Graffam teamed up to sweep both Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes (MSBS) for three-year-old pacing fillies on Saturday (June 19) at Cumberland Raceway.
The father and son duo started Justcallmecasey in the opener and the race could not have worked out any handier. When favourite Tally Two made a costly break behind the gate, Graffam protected his cat-bird position with Justcallmecasey and was content to follow for both circuits and pounce on the pacesetting Diamond District in the homestretch to win in 2:00.1.
Owned by Ben Bill and Will Stable, the sophomore daughter of Deuce Seelster was bred by Kristina Hall. Breaking her maiden in the process, the filly paid $18.80 to win. Pembroke Legend finished third.
There was nothing ‘handy’ about the second division, however, as Pembroke Ali apparently crossed over too quickly in front of Jopasamazingrace, setting off a chain reaction of interference breaks. Nick Graffam, driving Schoodic Lady, avoided the chaos and finished second behind Pembroke Ali, but was placed first as the latter was placed sixth for interference.
Schoodic Lady is a three-year-old daughter of Deuce Seelster, trained by Michael Graffam, and was bred and is owned by Ben Bill and Will Stable. By default, she also broke her maiden today.
The Graffam’s have had these two fillies since they were weanlings, and caretaker Stephanie Gray said, “They have been professional race horses from the very start. Always very focused on their jobs.”
The $6,500 Winners-Over Trot was captured by Cherry Crown Jewel, giving the mare her third win in five starts for driver Matt “Ice” Athearn and trainer Gretchen Athearn. The nine-year-old daughter of RC Royalty wired the field in 2:00 and paid $4.60 to win. Little Macabee finished second, J-S For Justice was third.
Newcomer Dalton Lee made his Maine Amateur Driving Club debut a memorable experience, coming from last to first in the final half win with Baywood Shadow in 2:00.2. Trained and owned by Christopher Dubois, the eight-year-old son of Stand Forever paid $13.40 to win. Winning Chip finished second; Bettorific was third.
Dan Lambert, Assistant Manager of the North Yarmouth Blue Seal Feeds location was on hand to make the MADC trophy presentation to the winning amateur connections.
Live harness racing from Cumberland is presented each Tuesday and Saturday through early August, with first-race post time at 2:30 p.m. (EDT). For more information go to our website.
(First Tracks Cumberland)