Bangor, ME – Trainer Emily Burgess mounted an unrelenting assault on the Bangor Raceway winners circle on Wednesday (April 29), releasing three well-armored steeds on the unsuspecting opposition while deftly landing three precision salvos on the Queen City finish line.
Burgess’ training triple began in sneak attack fashion as Scarlet Moon and driver Nick Graffam took full advantage of a rare inside starting spot to parry away fourth behind the pacesetting Santa Fe Kat (James Doucette).
Riding the styrofoam through a go go (:28) opening panel and a whoa whoa (:32) second quarter, Scarlet Moon stayed bunched up along the pylons, leaving the overland assault to the Canadian invader, Nannie Bernice (Michael Stevenson), who bravely engaged Santa Fe Kat through a quickly accelerating back-half which ultimately caused those weary combatants to veer out ever so slightly through the stretch.
Strategically positioned for just such a development, Scarlet Moon stealthily navigated the vacated inside path, securing the battle ribbons timed in 1:58.3, and returning a reasonable $8.20 win ticket to her backers.
Nannie Bernice finished second in her first Bangor appearance while Santa Fe Kat was photoed in for the show.
Burgess’ next win came in a less dramatic yet equally powerful performance as Premier Joy A (1:57.3, $3) glided gate-to-wire for driver Heath Campbell. Throwing in a never-in-doubt sort of effort, which featured a zippy :57.2 back-half, the win marked the second consecutive pike route score for the 12-year-old son of Somebeachsomewhere and the 48th career victory lap for the classy campaigner.
Burgess capped her hat trick with a near identical outing from Bare Bone (1:58.2, $3.60) who sped to a two-length, front-end frolic for driver Campbell, coasting home through an in hand :57.4 final half clocking.
The training triple installed Burgess as the early season standard bearer on the Bangor Raceway leaderboard with four wins after the initial two performances at the Queen City oval. She leads a gang of four challengers including Richard Allaby, Mark Harris, Autym Sowers, and Michael Stevenson who have earned two wins each.
Other multiple winners on Wednesday included Campbell, who tripled his pleasure while winning the final three races on the card; Graffam, who drove two winners down Victory Lane; and Stevenson, who drove victorious with two entries from his own stable.
In other Bangor news, punters both on-track and along Bangor Raceway’s vast simulcast network have responded favorably to the first two programs of the 2026 season. After two days of racing Bangor’s live handle has experienced a nearly 120% increase over the same period in 2025, while Wednesday’s live handle was the best bet Wednesday card since July of 2024.
Live harness racing is proudly featured at Bangor Raceway on a two-day per week schedule with the Wednesday cards going to post at 3 p.m. (EDT) followed by the popular Sunday matinees which swing in behind the gate beginning at 12:10 p.m.
For those not able to come to the track, wagering and live video for Bangor Raceway, as well as hundreds of harness and thoroughbred racetracks across the world, is available on Hollywood Races at www.hollywoodraces.com.
For complete information regarding live racing, simulcast wagering, gaming, dining, and hotel accommodations at Bangor’s Hollywood Casino and Raceway, please visit the website at www.hollywoodcasinobangor.com.