Hesjustadelight made his first lifetime stakes race a memorable one, cruising to victory in the $14,598 Maine-sired two-year-old colt and gelding pace at Bangor Raceway on Friday, July 7.
Co-owned and driven by Ron Cushing, the son of Western Maverick scored from post position four in the early non-wagering event, and when the wings closed, he remained in fourth past a :29.2 opening panel.
Thru The Fire (Andrew Harrington) was one of three entrants from the Marc Tardif stable and from pylon position that son of Western Maverick cut the fractions. With no movement through a 1:00.2 breather, and with Oakleypopsthedeuce (David Ingraham) remaining in the two-hole, Cushing popped Hesjustadelight first-over heading to three-quarters in 1:31.
By the head of the stretch, Cushing had cleared the top with Hesjustadelight and was able to cruise to a 1-3/4-length victory in 2:02.1 with his whip tucked over his shoulder. Oakleypopsthedeuce rallied for second money and Wess Challenge (Walter Case Jr.) finished third.
Trained by Heidi Gibbs, Hesjustadelight is owned by the partnership of Cushing, breeder Lynn-Marie Plouffe and Anthony and Joseph Romanelli.
The freshman trotters will visit Cumberland on Saturday for two Maine Sire Stakes worth a combined $27,800-plus in purses. The early action starts before the regular card at 2 p.m. Three-year-old trotters will race in two $13,500 divisions at Bangor on Sunday with an early 11:45 a.m. post time.
(With files from Maine Sire Stakes)