Up-and-coming driver Hunter Lofthus provided Polyester with a patient steer to capture the meet’s second $6,849 Maine Amateur Driving Club pacing event by half the length of the stretch at First Tracks Cumberland on Saturday, April 20.
When the wings folded, Benson Merrill pushed the 8-5 favourite Southwind Terror out to the lead from post three, with Led Schneppelin (Jason Bertolini) ducking in the two-hole and Ill Call U Later (Derick Howes) settling in third. As the field passed the quarter-mile marker in 29 seconds, the leading Southwind Terror had gained a three-length advantage on the pack.
Track announcer Mike Cushing noted that, "Benson Merrill had his hands full," when the duo entered the stretch going to the :59.4 half. Positions had not changed, but the group had tightened up a bit with Putnams Storm (Bob Nadeau) moving first-over from fourth, with Polyester right on his helmet in the outer flow and revving up in fifth.
When the fray had reached the 1:30 third stanza, Lofthus, who had been three-wide on the backside since the paddock drawgate, had overtaken Putnams Storm and then leader Southwind Terror. By the time they hit the final turn, Lofthus had the four-year-old mare by Dudes The Man on top by four, and looking for more.
Leaving the field in their wake, the dominant pair added separation with every stride, tripping the timer in 1:59.4 over the 'good' track and prevailing by 16 lengths.
Owned and trained by Jamie Gerard, Polyester paid $6 to win. She won for the first time this season in 11 starts, and for the ninth time in her career, pushing her lifetime earnings to $74,747.
Ill Call U Later got up in the final strides for second, and is also trained by Gerard. CBF Bantam (David Crochere) was third.
The weekly event is faithfully sponsored by the good people at Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine.
The $8,219 featured race of the day was captured by Second Bruiser in 1:58.2. Driven by Drew Campbell for owner/trainer Eric Bickmore, the favourite paid $3.80 to win the conditioned pace by a half-length over Drinka Beer (Andy Harrington). Lexus Witha View A (Nick Graffam) was third.
Kevin Switzer Jr. enjoyed his second hat trick in a row, winning three on the Saturday card. Drivers Drew Campbell, Nick Graffam and Dan Deslandes all picked up driving doubles.
Racing resumes at First Tracks Cumberland on Friday, April 26.
(With files from First Tracks Cumberland)