Cumberland, ME – Harness racing at the 154th annual Cumberland Fair kicked off on Sunday (Sept. 27) with Jimmy Nickerson’s Dryden Hanover overcoming the muddy conditions to win the $7,050 featured conditioned trot.
Driver Nick Graffam sent the 1-5 favorite Dryden Hanover out swiftly to take command from post 5, but not before Brutalizer (driven by Andy Harrington) stretched him out through the first turn in :30.2.
They raced in single file formation past the fair’s midway, reaching the half in 1:01.1. Heading down the backstretch the final time, McGwire Sowers tipped 9-2 second choice TCS Brenda first-over to challenge the pacesetters. Reaching the third panel in 1:31 over the heavy surface, the chasers made little headway in catching the heavy favorite.
At the head of the stretch, Brutalizer emerged from the pocket and attempted to reel in the leader, but to no avail. A wet, but unfazed Dryden Hanover rolled down the stretch unfettered to score by a comfortable 1-1/2-length margin in 2:01.2.
Trained by Jimmy Nickerson for owners Tim Bojarski and Tony Gruppo, the 5-year-old son of Walner now has six wins on the season and increased his career bankroll to $191,959. Bred by Hanover Shoe Farms, he returned $2.60 to win.
Brutalizer finished second; TCS Brenda was third.
In other news, the Maine Amateur Driving Club took a walk on the wild side this week and switched over to trotters for change of pace. “El Presidente” Joe Burke cruised in second-over style to win with Top Down in 2:08.1, returning a handsome $13 to his backers.
Owned and trained by Bob Marston, the 7-year-old son of Archangel was bred by Winbak Farm and picked up the lion’s share of the $4,850 purse.
Driver Kevin Switzer Jr. enjoyed three wins on the program, and Joey Mosher picked up a pair, including a $16.20 winner for trainer Donnie Richards with the Bettor’s Wish mare Going My Way.
Racing resumes at the Cumberland Fairgrounds on Monday (Sept. 28) with full cards scheduled for the remaining racing dates through Sunday (Oct. 4), with 12:30 p.m. (EDT) post times throughout the week.
Always a highlight of the “Always in September” fair, the Maine Sire Stakes continue at Cumberland with 3-year-old male pacers on Tuesday (Sept. 29) and then roll into the 3-year-old filly pacers on Wednesday (Sept. 30), with the 3-year-old trotters completing the sophomore divisions on Friday (Oct. 2).
Once again, Cumberland will host the $300,000 (est.) Maine Sire Stakes 2-year-old finals on Saturday, Oct. 3, with freshman filly pacer No Small Wonder entering the seasonal finale with an unblemished, eight-win record. There will be a live draw for post positions at noon on Wednesday (Sept. 30), which can be viewed on RTN or any ADW platform that carries the First Tracks Cumberland signal.
After the fair, the track’s 15-day Winter Festival begins Nov. 8 and then primarily follows a three-day Friday-Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the season, until December 13. The annual Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 12.
For additional information, visit firsttrackscumberland.com or https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/.