Cumberland, ME – The Harringtons’ Arts Flight set his flight path directly to the Cumberland winner’s circle on Sunday (June 14) as the Maine-bred steed navigated a perfect gate-to-wire triumph in the $5,800 NW3500 feature.
Driven by Andy Harrington for trainer Sara Harrington the 5-year-old son of Artistic Fella left swiftly from post 3 to take command in a :28 opening panel with Gigitygigitygigty (driver Todd Whitney) tracking in the garden spot. Heading to the :58.3 half Nick Graffam tipped Luckisontheway to the outside who was quickly followed by Aaron Hall and Massive Speed as they passed the stands.
With the pacesetter hustling into a swift 1:26.2 third panel, and Gigitygigitygigty stalling in the pocket, Luckisontheway ducked in the two-hole before the field hit the final turn. This left Hall and Massive Speed first-over alongside Luckisontheway, as the pacers battled for second around the last bend.
As they straightened out for the stretch drive, Arts Flight continued his momentum and gained separation with every stride. With no threat in sight the duo scooted home to win by 2-3/4 lengths in 1:55.2, a new lifetime best.
Owned by Mac Stables, it was his 14th lifetime victory and fourth of the season, enriching his career spoils to $119,309. Arts Flight returned $4.60 to win as the 6-5 favorite.
Luckisontheway finished second and Massive Speed was third.
Driver Kevin Switzer Jr. had two wins on the program and regained control of the leaderboard at Cumberland with 46 victories this season. Switzer Jr. is also just four wins shy of his 4,000-win benchmark.
Driver Steve Wilson also had a pair of victories on the afternoon card, which was cut short after the eighth race due to technical difficulties. Trainers Bob Marston and Marc Tardif also enjoyed two wins on the abbreviated program.
Racing resumes Saturday (June 20) at First Tracks Cumberland with the Saturday-Sunday cards slated for the next two weeks of June. During July, the schedule reverts back to Friday-Saturday, with the following caveat: No racing on Friday, July 3, which allows for a three-day run from Friday, July 24, through Sunday, July 26, during the penultimate weekend of the meet.
First post is 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.