First Tracks Cumberland is poised to present a three-day, 34-race long weekend of harness racing, complete with full fields and competitive match-ups to entice the most discerning punter.
The action starts with Friday’s (Nov. 11) card, an ‘all pace’ day with half of the day’s events dedicated to the fairer set, otherwise known as fillies and mares. In the fourth race (Superfecta) $4,400 fillies and mares conditioned event, Rojas Blue Chip (Post 3, Mike Stevenson) has been installed as the morning line favourite at 5-2 and has enjoyed a successful season with five wins and six second in 25 starts. Grace Of Art (Post 5, Walter Case Jr.) has also been a consistent earner this year, with four wins and four seconds, many of which were in the last month.
Saturday’s (Nov. 12) eighth race $6,500 Open 2 Pace recycles last week’s match-up of track record holders. By virtue of her previous triumph Rys Red Rocket (Matt Athearn) has been assigned the outside Post 5. The five-year-old daughter of Sunshine Beach looks for her eightth win of the season. Captain Nash (Post 2, Drew Campbell) and Rocksapatriot (Post 3, Dave Ingraham) have a slight inside advantage and have been listed as 7-2 and 4-1, respectively. Adriano Hanover (Post 4, Kevis Switzer Jr.), who was a nose behind the winner in his last outing, adds depth to the fray.
In addition, there are three divisions of the $5,500 Open 4 Pace and a lone $6,000 Open 3 Pace. All of which should provide fans and bettors with fast miles and plenty of wagering action. Every race has a 50-cent Trifecta and the final (11th) race also features a 20-cent Pentafecta.
The Sunday (Nov. 13) program has 12 races, five of which are for the diagonal set, otherwise known as trotters. The $6,500 Open 2-3 Trot features last week’s victor Favorite Uncle (Cain MacKenzie), who scores from Post 4. Outside him is the trending Broadway Giant (Post 5, Bruce Ranger) who won three-in-a-row before moving up to this class. This race also marks the return of local fan favourite Cherry Crown Jewel (Post 3, Mark Athearn), who set a track record at Cumberland last year and is coming off a win at Bangor.
(With files from First Tracks Cumberland)