Cumberland, ME – A host of Winter Pop-Up series were in full swing on Sunday (Dec. 7), with all of the holiday-themed events enjoying robust participation at Cumberland Raceway, complete with tight finishes and handsome payouts.
Perhaps the most exciting race of the day was the first $7,500 leg of the Dasher series, which witnessed a three-way battle between eventual winner Echos Sharkie (Aaron Hall), who bested Ahoy Hanover (James Doucette) and Dark As Night (Nick Graffam) by a head.
Jamie Gerard owns and trains the 6-year-old son of Shadyshark Hanover, who completed the circuit while parked the last half in 1:58.3. He returned $6.40 to his backers.
The second $7,500 Dasher split went to 13-1 Mornin Captain (Mike Stevenson), who won by a nose over 16-1 Circling The Prey (Nick Graffam), with the pair bringing home a $1 exacta for $157.80. The winner paid $29.80 for the mile in 1:58.1.
The co-featured $8,000 Blitzen events were captured by Rau Ru (1:57.4, $3.80) and Sheriff N (1:58, $3.60). Both were driven by Chris Long for trainer Zach Vickerson.
There were also five $5,000 divisions of the Comet series, with this week’s winners listed as: Fern Hill Flight (1:59.2, $2.80); Tobins Burke (1:58.1, $3.20); Justa Little Bit A (1:57.4, $2.20); Press Time (1:59.1, $13.20) and Fall In Line (1:59.1, $4.40). The second legs go next week for $6,000.
In other news, Benson Merrill drove General Ward to a wire-to-wire victory in the $4,000 Maine Amateur Driving Club event, scoring in 1:59.4. Trained by Jim Dunn, the 8-year-old son of Somebeachsomewhere kept 1-5 favorite Premier Joy A (Todd Whitney) at bay to grab his fifth win of the season. He returned $7 and is owned by Diane Dunn.
Driver Chris Long had four wins on the program and McGwire Sowers picked up a pair of victories.
Racing resumes on Monday for a special re-scheduled card, which was postponed from Saturday (Dec. 6). The same races, horses and post positions will compete as originally drawn.
Cumberland Raceway has transitioned to three days of harness racing (Friday-Saturday-Sunday), which continues Dec. 12. The Au Revoir Retirement ceremonies are slated for Saturday, Dec. 20.
The 18-day meet runs until Dec. 21. Post time is always 10:55 am. (EST).
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