Cumberland, ME – With victory seemingly up for grabs in the final sixteenth of a mile during Friday’s (May 15) featured trot at Cumberland Raceway, top reinsman Nick Graffam patiently and fearlessly skimmed the cones to pay dirt with High Gear No Fear.
The track was listed as muddy and the drivers had already donned their rain gear as the seventh race got underway. With Hunter Lofthus sending Ghetto Boy out to a quick lead, the pylon positioned High Gear No Fear was content to take the pocket trip while heading into the first turn. By the time the field has straightened out past the paddock, Dynamical Tad (Luke Varnum) and 3-5 favorite Pembroke Breeze (Heath Campbell) were seated third and fourth, respectively.
The pacesetting Ghetto Boy hit the opening panel in :30.2, with the field stretched out in the off going. Approaching the 1:01.2 half, Heath Campbell tipped the favorite to go around a lagging Dynamical Tad.
Down the backstretch the final time, the leader increased the tempo with Pembroke Breeze now head-to-head with High Gear No Fear in a loose pocket. They hit the third station in a forceful 1:31.4, with Pembroke Breeze challenging for the lead around the final turn.
While it appeared that the aggressor may overtake the pacesetter, the momentum of the anticipated, potential victors had stalled mid-stretch. Graffam used his well-reserved closing kick to scoot pass the outside horses and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, taking the $5,200 conditioned trot by a nose.
Owned and trained by Brian Lamb, the 9-year-old son of Whom Shall I Fear picked up his first win of the season, tripping the timer in 2:04.4. Returning $7.40, he increased his lifetime earnings to $230,929.
Ghetto Boy hung on for second, while with a fast-closing brush of his own, Wariner (Aaron Hall) made up nearly four lengths in the stretch to finish third by a neck.
Nick Graffam had three wins on the program, while former Maine Sire Stakes freshman trotting champ Whatawonder got back to his winning ways for Ken and Shannon Watson.
With the second jewel of the Thoroughbred Triple Crown on tap for Saturday (May 16), Cumberland Raceway will host its own $7,000 Cumberland Preakness with a field of seven going behind the gate in race 10 over a special distance of 10 furlongs. The 12-race card also carries a special 2:45 p.m. (EDT) post time to accommodate wagering on all the day’s action from Laurel Park.
Trackman Downeast Dave has pegged Venice Blue Chip as the 5-2 morning-line favorite from post 2 with Walter Case Jr. in the sulky. Trained by Mark Harris for owner Derek Robishaw and Gayle Harris, the 5-year-old daughter of Lather Up won 11 of 44 races last year but is still searching for her seasonal trip to victory lane. The fillies and mares pacing event will be contested at a 1-1/4 mile distance.
The second and third choices in the Cumberland Preakness are Hungry Lady (3-1, Wally Watson) from post 6, and Holymotherofmoses (7-2, Dave Ingraham) from post 4. Both mares are coming off of victories in their respective last starts in optional $4,000 claimers.
The co-feature of the afternoon is the $7,000 Winners Over Pace in race 8, pitting Vel Trust In Time (5-2, Aaron Hall) who is saddled with the outermost post 7, against former Maine Sire Stakes star So Rock N’ Roll (3-1, Heath Campbell) from post 6.
On Saturday, the exotic wagering action starts with a Pick-5 in the opener, then the Pick-4 is set for the last four races on the program (races 9-12). The Pick-3 begins in race 10, and all boast a low 16% takeout. In addition, the 20-cent Superfecta is available in races 4, 6, and 8, along with a Pentafecta in races 5 and the finale. Doors will open at noon for the special Preakness day program.
First Tracks Cumberland continues to host its Friday-Saturday racing schedule through the month of May. When the calendar flips to June and the official start of summer, the schedule reverts back to Saturday-Sunday cards for the remainder of the meet.
Except for special occasions, first post is generally 12:15 p.m. (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through Aug. 2.
A complete calendar and additional information can be viewed at the First Tracks Cumberland website.