Driver David Ingraham is no stranger to driving longshots. Although respected by his peers, the 59-year-old reinsman is perhaps losing a few mounts to the up-and-coming young guns of Maine. But that fact did not stop Ingraham from putting 6-1 fifth-choice Patanjali N in perfect position to pounce on a tiring leader and win the $12,500 Donald Richards Maine Legends Pacing Series Final on Tuesday (July 20) at Cumberland.
Scoring from post 2, Ingraham left alertly with Patanjali N, forcing the favourite Media Queen N to take command into a :27.4 first panel. Tactician Ranger did his best to back the pace to a :58.1 half, giving his mare a much-needed :31 second-quarter breather. But the damage may have already been done.
By the three-quarter pole Ranger had pulled the plugs on Media Queen, and while witnessing firsthand the shortening strides Ingraham found room in the turn to pull the pocket and get up for a two-length margin of victory in 1:56.4.
An eight-year-old mare by American Ideal, Patanjali N paid $14.20 to win. She competes for trainer Chris Lefebvre and owner Michelle Lefebvre. Media Queen held on for second, who was noses apart from Mickey Blu and Humor Me.
The Maine Legends pacing series trophies were sponsored by the Maine Harness Horseman’s Association and Blue Seal Feeds of North Yarmouth and Windham.
The Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes (MSBS) for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings witnessed 4-5 favourite Call Me Maverick confirming his dominance, scoring in a seasonal best 1:57.2 over a rain-soaked track in the post-time delayed third race.
A son of Western Maverick, Call Me Maverick drew post 6 in the second division with eight horses vying for the $10,402 purse, with just seven betting interests. A Sweet Bidda Luck blasted away from the car to assume control and remained on the lead until the half-mile marker. Stevenson pulled Call Me Maverick from third position and moved up swiftly to take command and continued to extend his lead with every stride, drawing off to win by nine lengths.
Owned and bred by Upland Farm, Call Me Maverick paid $3.60 to win. Mike Stevenson sat in the bike for trainer Gordon Corey. A Sweet Bidda Luck finished second, Whatawinwillie was third.
During the first MSBS, rain began to fall as the field went to the gate, changing the dynamic of the race.
Lord Magnetic moved swiftly to the front when the wings folded and never looked back, winning his second Maine-sired event of the year, in a new lifetime mark of 1:59.1. The sophomore son of Baron Biltmore is trained by Gretchen Athearn for owner and breeder Jason Vafiades.
Lord Magnetic paid $10.00 to win. Paxton finished second. Hollywood Skeeter was third. Matt Athearn drove the winner.
Matt Athearn, Dan Deslandes and Bruce Ranger all had driving doubles on the day’s card. Leading conditioner Benson Merrill also won two.
The next card at Cumberland features the $7,500 Maine Amateur Driving Club Final on Saturday (July 24).
Live harness racing continues at Cumberland on Wednesday, July 28 and Saturday through July 31, post time is 2:30 p.m., with two additional dates added Wed. & Thurs., Aug. 4 & 5 with 11 a.m. posts. For more information, visit firsttrackscumberland.com.
(First Tracks Cumberland)