Cumberland, ME — The father-son duo of trainer Mike Graffam and driver Nick Graffam combined forces to grab the lion’s share of Cumberland’s Kick-Off Late Closer Series #3 final on Saturday (April 23), with Cyclone Pass winning the $12,000 event.

Cyclone Pass stormed home off third-over cover to win the $12,000 final of Cumberland’s Kick-Off Series #3. Stephanie Gray photo.

When the wings folded, four horses were eager to take command. With help from the draw, Rose Run Slider (Dan Deslandes) held sway through the turn but ultimately yielded to Count To Three (Drew Campbell), who bolted to the top in a :29 opening panel.

As the field went by the stands for the first time, Eleanor Jean (Gary Mosher) flushed the cover of Baywood Shadow (Kevin Switzer Jr.), who was no longer content with the third pylon position. After a half in :59.3, Graffam moved Cyclone Pass third-over into the outer flow.

When Graffam’s cover started to stall, the reinsman tipped three-wide from sixth past a 1:28.2 three-quarters and continued to pass tiring horses through the final turn. Storming down the stretch to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:59.2, the 12-year-old son of Western Cyclone grabbed the 30th win of his career.

Cyclone Pass paid $8.00 to win for owner Diane Frazier. Colorful Speech (Bruce Ranger) went from seventh to second in the last eighth of a mile to overtake Count To Three, who hung on for third.

In the $10,000 Kick-Off Series #2 final, driver Walter Case Jr. left the field in his wake, steering favorite Oceanview Echo (post 3) to a decisive 13-length, 1:57.4 victory. Sandinista finished second; Meetmeatthedance was third. Case has guided the 5-year-old Rollwithitharry mare, who Dana Whittemore owns and trains, to three wins in as many starts.

Oceanview Echo paid $4.40 to win.

Drew Campbell, Case and Kevin Switzer Jr. all enjoyed two driving wins on the card. Following six programs and 72 races, Dan Deslandes holds a one-win lead over Switzer. in the drivers’ standings, 11-10. Bruce Ranger is third with seven wins, with Case and Aaron Hall tied for fourth with six.

The early leader in the training ranks is Chris Lefebvre, with seven wins in 25 starts. Jamie Gerard holds the highest UTRS of .513 with four wins in 13 starts.

Horsemen should note the new draw schedule for Cumberland Raceway:

• Friday (April 29) — box closes 9 a.m. Tuesday (April 26)
• Saturday (April 30) — box closes 9 a,m. Wednesday (April 27)

Post time for the Spring/Summer meet is set for 3 p.m. on both Fridays and Saturdays, with the extended pari-mutuel meet offering racing each weekend through July 23. More information can be found on the Cumberland Raceway website.