Cumberland, ME — Nick Graffam continued his quest toward the 1,000-win plateau on Saturday (April 22) at Cumberland, winning the featured $7,500 Spring Fling Late Closer No. 2 elimination with The Bird Dance N in grand fashion.
Leaving from post seven as part of a common ownership entry, Graffam flew right to the top to lead the nine-horse field through a swift :27.2 opening panel. Moving to the half, Dragonology (driven by Dan Deslandes), the other half of the heavily favored entry, moved first-over to shadow his entrymate through middle splits of :58.2 and 1:27.3. Ultimately, Graffam maintained his well-rated one length margin to win in 1:57. Dragonology finished second; Soho Leviathan A was third.
The Bird Dance N, an 8-year-old imported son of A Rocknroll Dance, is owned by José Cervantes and trained by Karl Butterfield.
The top eight finishers in the elimination race are eligible for the $20,000 Spring Fling No. 2 final, which will take place next Saturday (April 28) at First Tracks Cumberland.
Three $6,000 sub-features saw victories from some new talent and some fan favorites.
Western Stepp (Drew Campbell) scored in 1:58.4 to take the fillies and mares Winners Over for driver Drew Campbell and trainer James Dunn. The 10-year-old Maine-sired Western Maverick, owned by Diane Dunn, picked up her second win in a row and her 54th lifetime victory. She paid $13.40 to win.
The $6,000 top trot was captured by Little Macabee with a driver change to Drew Campbell. It was the second win in a row and 30th career score for the 9-year-old son of Chapter Seven, who is trained by Eric Bickmore for owner Maryann Tompkins. He won in 1:59.4 and paid $6.80 to win.
All the top pacers couldn’t topple Lexus Witha View A again. Driven by Kevin Switzer Jr. to his second win in a row, the 9-year-old son of Somebeachsomewhere scoffed at the assigned eight-hole and scampered off to victory in 1:58.1. Sent off as the heavy favorite, the Aussie import is a recent acquisition for trainer and co-owner Jamie Gerard with Strategic Racing Stable.
Drew Campbell led all drivers with three wins on the card, and is now tied with Bruce Ranger at seven victories four programs into the new season. Kevin Switzer had two wins, bringing his dash total to six and placing him in third among Cumberland reinsmen. Trainer Chris Lefebvre is the leading conditioner with six victories.
Looking ahead, the public can watch and wager on the 149th renewal of the Kentucky Derby on May 6 at Cumberland. Last year, First Tracks Cumberland had a local fan hit big on a “hunch” wager placed on long shot winner Rich Strike.
Racing resumes Friday (April 28) with the $15,000 final of the Spring Fling No. 1. Live harness racing from First Tracks Cumberland continues through Aug. 5 with racing on Friday and Saturday each weekend. First post remains 3:15 p.m. (EDT). For additional information, go to the First Tracks Cumberland website.