Cumberland, ME — With Plainridge Park holding their final harness racing cards of the season late last week, many New England horsemen have opted to continue to race their Standardbreds at Cumberland Raceway, given the attractive purse structure, as well as the expansive condition sheet.

Friday (Dec. 2) marks the opening legs of the Polar Express Late Closing Series No. 1, offering horses and horse people increased earning opportunities for the next three weeks. Boasting a $10,000 final with two $4,000 preliminary legs over the next two weeks, 13 horses have entered the series’ first leg.

The first division (race one) has Cee Pee Panic (Nick Graffam) installed as the 5-2 morning line favorite, with recent winner JJ Maximus (3-1, Aaron Hall) looking for a repeat from his outside post position. Tuukka (7-2, Walter Case Jr.) left Monticello for northern climes, and will try his luck on the new surface.

The second division (race four) pits Eternal Ring (5-2, Mike Stevenson) against Dancin Hill (3-1, Matt Athearn), both of whom were third in their respective last starts. The most consistent horse of the bunch is Cash Crazy Express (7-2, Aaron Hall) who has been first or second in his last seven starts, but has to contend with post seven.

The Saturday (Dec. 3) program contains 12 full fields, which includes several open pacing events as well two $5,000 elimination legs of the Polar Express Late Closing Series No. 2. The final goes for $12,000 on Dec. 17.

Road Untraveled (3-1, Nick Graffam) and American Road (5-2, Walter Case Jr.) lead the convoy in the first division, given their current form. However, Twin B Frenchtoast (7-2, Kevin Switzer Jr.) or Rojas Blue Chip (4-1, Mike Stevenson) both have the ability to rev their engines against this group.

In the second division, Stormin Maverick (5-2, Walter Case Jr.) will attract some attention from the inside, as will Bailey’s Legacy (4-1, Nick Graffam). Celebrate Your Bet (7-2, Andy Harrington) and Bet On Success (3-1, Bruce Ranger) also figure as strong contenders.

Saturday’s featured $6,500 Open 2 Pace marks the return of several fast-class pacers from Plainridge, including track record holder Adriano Hanover (5-2, Kevin Switzer Jr.) and Bag Pipe Major (3-1, Bruce Ranger). They both have a pair of competitive locals on their inside to contend with, namely Ry’s Red Rocket (9-2, Matt Athearn) and Rocksapatriot (5-1, Dave Ingraham).

Rolling through to Sunday (Dec. 4), four $6,000 divisions of the Polar Express Late Closer No. 3 highlight the 12-race card, with an additional $6,500 Open 2 Trot to start things off.

Broadway Giant (5-2, Bruce Ranger) looks to repeat in the opener against this southern Maine Open trotting group, with several Plainridge invaders looking for some easier pickings.

In the four first-round Polar Express No. 3 legs, Outspoken Man (race two, Bruce Ranger), Kick The Dirt Up (race four, Matt Athearn), Nets of Passion (race six, Dave Ingraham), and Sweet Sally Sue (race eight, Kevin Switzer Jr.) are the morning line favorites. The Polar Express No. 3 final goes for $15,000 on Dec. 18.

All weekend long, every race has a 50-cent trifecta, and the final race each day also features a 20-cent pentafecta.

The popular Au Revoir Retirement Showcase for 14-year-old Standardbreds is slated for Dec. 17 and boasts 18 total participants with one ‘Geriatric Pace’ event scheduled with a full field of soon-to-be retirees.

The extended pari-mutuel harness racing meet at Cumberland runs through Dec. 24 with first post at 11 a.m. each day.

For more information, go to the track’s website.