Bangor, ME — Traditionally, coronations are regal affairs, steeped in ritual and guided by strict rules of ascension and protocol but sometimes on rare occasions, kings claim rank by means of overpowering force and sheer domination. Such seemed the case on Wednesday (May 18) at Bangor Raceway.

Sanattle Slew proved a worthy foil for Rose Run Slider at Bangor Raceway. Shelley Gilpatrick photo.

Dan Deslandes continues to prove diligent in his springtime conquest of Bangor, following up Sunday’s (May 15) initial three win assault on the Queen City’s defenses with an overpowering barrage on Wednesday which saw five precision strikes squarely hit their targets, resulting in five dramatic processions toward the winner’s circle throne room.

Deslandes once again scored direct hits with weapons from his own stable sending Rocnrolwilneverdie (1:58.2) to his second consecutive winning sortie while Some Gold (1:56.4) parried his third triumphant appearance of the young state of Maine season. Deslandes trainees have now won five Bangor battles during this week alone.

Catch drives proved equally effective in the Deslandes assault on Wednesday as two entries from the Karl Butterfield roster became worthy allies with J S Peyton (2:00.3) and Sanattle Slew (1:58) both executing credible flanking maneuvers, while Hotlikewasabi (1:59), a mercenary from the Meadowlands, acclimated well to the foreign fields of Maine to cap the five prong battle plan.

Kings may assume long and beneficial reigns but must always be on guard against ambitious crusaders. And with capable courtiers like Bruce Ranger, Gary Mosher, Heath Campbell and Walter Case Jr. plotting their vengeance, season-long counter offensives are certain to regularly occur on the battlefields of Bangor, much to the merriment of the trackside patrons.

Bangor Raceway proudly features live harness racing every Wednesday at 3 p.m. (EDT) with the popular Sunday matinees getting underway at 12:15 p.m. Simulcast wagering is available Wednesday through Sunday from noon until 7 p.m.