Mister Muscle made quick work of Saturday’s (July 31) Jake Phipps Memorial Trot at Cumberland, equaling his track record-tying performance of 1:57.3 for a second time in as many weeks.
Driven by leading reinsman Bruce Ranger for trainer Ryan Nelson, the seven-year-old son of Muscle Mass left alertly from his assigned outside post six and charged to the front in a :27.2 opening panel. Clearing to the lead by the three-eighths pole, Mister Muscle set the remaining fractions and powered to victory by 3-1/4 lengths over Bruizn for the 28th triumph of his career.
“It was great to win this race that was named after a young man that was loved by all and was so passionate about harness racing,” stated Ranger following the race.
Mister Muscle is owned by Mark Beckwith and paid $2.40 to win.
Cherry Crown Jewel, who finished third, is owned by Jake’s Phipps’ father, Bill, who was on hand for the presentation along with many members of the Phipps and Yarmouth Lumber extended family.
“Our entire family is grateful to First Tracks Cumberland for recognizing Jake today,” noted Bill Phipps. “He is still dearly missed, but this race helps us keep his memory alive.”
A huge upset shocked the $6,500 Winners Over Pace, as 40-1 long shot Terror Hall sat quietly in the three-hole for the entire mile for driver and co-owner Wally Watson and sprung out in the stretch to win by a head over the Dan Deslandes-trained and driven Bo Master in 1:56.1.
Trained and co-owned by Lisa Watson, the eight-year-old son of Western Terror picked up the 20th win of his career, paying a whopping $82.40 on a two-dollar ticket. The Bus A finished third.
Two $12,498 divisions of the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes (MSBS) for two-year-old pacing fillies witnessed a slight reshuffling of the divisional sire stakes standings for leg two.
Newcomer Wolverina, driven by Nick Graffam for owner-breeder-trainer Mike Graffam, emerged from third position in the stretch to overtake the pacesetters and capture her first lifetime pari-mutuel victory in 2:04.3. The two-year-old daughter of Cheyenne Hollywood paid $8.60 to win. Mach Royal (Ron Cushing) finished second; Wicked Kissa (Mike Stevenson) was third.
The second division of the MSBS was much more predictable as Pembroke Legacy extended her inheritance and returned to the winners circle for the second time in her fledgling season, in a much swifter 2:02.3.
Driven by Heath Campbell for trainer Valerie Grondin and owner/breeder Bill Varney, the 2YO daughter of Baron Biltmore paid $3.00 to win. Sweet Baby G (John Beckwith) finished second, Sheza Rebel (Kevin Switzer Jr.) was third.
A large crowd for the final Saturday card showed robust action at the betting windows, with the day’s handle just shy of $100,000 over the 12-race card. In addition, a $10,000 guaranteed Pick-5 pool is in play on Wednesday (Aug. 4).
(First Tracks Cumberland)