Veteran amateur reinsman Todd Whitney boldly got Iwillmakeyousaywow into the Blue Seal Feeds winner's circle at Cumberland Raceway on Saturday (June 3) to celebrate his first seasonal victory in the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) race.
Whitney, a former national amateur driving champion, was not afraid to take in some of that good Southern Maine air as he sent even-money wagering favourite Iwillmakeyousaywow first-over just past the quarter in 29.3. As he continued to range up toward the leaders -- Southern Terror (Benson Merrill) cutting the fractions, and Led Schneppelin (Jason Bertolini) in the pocket -- Whitney’s head-strong steed was just a half-length off of the front at the 1:00 half.
Shortening his margin to a tight neck into a 1:29.3 third panel, the credentialed 11-year-old son of Manhardt continued to dig in through the final turn while at the throat latch of the equally distinguished leader, Southwind Terror. As the field entered the homestretch, several fresh horses swarmed around the leader, but it was Whitney and Iwillmakeyousaywow that strode away and emerged victorious in 2:01.1 over the rain-soaked surface.
Iwillmakeyousaywow paid $4 to win, while Meetmeatthedance (Derek Howes) finished second and Southwind Terror hung on for third.
The win was the 61st career victory for Iwillmakeyousaywow, a lifetime winner of $451,578. The gelding is currently owned and trained by James Heap.
The MADC is proudly sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine.
The $5,500 top trot of the day was captured by Broadway Giant in 2:02.3. Driven by Bruce Ranger for owner/trainer Ron Patoine, the nine-year-old son of Broadway Giant paid $5.20 to win in a coast-to-coast tour of the fairgrounds facility. Favourite Northern Skyway (Drew Campbell) was second and Inukchuck Chuck (Dave Ingraham) was third.
Wally Watson lit up the virtual toteboard in his 1:59.2 score with De Chirico in the $5,500 top conditioned pace of the week. The six-year-old son of So Surreal went first-over at the half and never looked back. Trained by Chris Lefebvre for owner Michelle Lefebvre, he paid $36 to win. The victory was the 12th of his career.
Leading driver Bruce Ranger had three wins on the card and remains in first place in the drivers’ standings with 27 seasonal victories. Nick Graffam moved into the second spot with 23 victories over Kevin Switzer Jr. with 22. Chris Lefebvre is the leading trainer with 15 wins.
(With files from First Tracks Cumberland)