Bangor, ME – Harness racing action returns to Maine’s northern circuit on Sunday (May 1) as Hollywood Casino Hotel and Raceway kicks off the 2022 season at historic Bass Park. Full and competitive fields will be the order of the day as the 10-race program commences bright and early at 12:15 p.m. (EDT) and with an expected robust on-track attendance augmented by an extensive nationwide simulcast audience, wagering value is sure to be found all up and down the card.

Excitement is in the air at Bangor Raceway, as it opens its season on Sunday with a 10-race program. Bangor Raceway photo. 

The action explodes to the forefront in the very first race as Dan Deslandes, last year’s leading State of Maine dash winner, will look to build upon his early season driving and training success at First Track’s Cumberland by sending Rocknrolwillneverdie to the gate as the 3-2 morning line favorite. With two starts already under his belt this year and fresh off a sterling Queen City prep effort, the 12-year-old veteran campaigner figures to have his hands full staving off an expected stiff challenge from Bet On Success who will be making his first start of the season for trainer Benson Merrill, last season’s leading trainer in Maine, who has named top pilot Bruce Ranger to his customary seat.

Race three will showcase the early season creme de la creme as five top pacers head to the post in the $6,500 featured Winners Over event. David Ingraham and Kelly Case, fresh off Pompano Park’s final season gain the rail advantage with RocksAPatriot who seeks his first win of the year to augment five on-the-board finishes from eight seasonal starts. He’ll need to contend with Captain Nash and Bruce Ranger from post two who is already a winner in 1:55.2 this season. Bet You and Gary Mosher, boasting two wins already in 2022 and seasonal earnings eclipsing $16K should be tough from post three, while Woody’s Cash Crop (Nick Graffam) and Grand Galop Semalu (Dan Deslandes) complete the top level event.

The $6,000 second division of the features class goes postward in the afternoon’s eighth race where a couple of prolific 2022 winners figure to provide the chief entertainment. Deetzy, with Kevin Switzer, Jr., driving for trainer Karl Butterfield has been installed as the 5-2 morning line favorite, while trumpeting two seasonal wins, a record of 1:56.2 and over $8K in 2022 earnings. Sarah’s Lily (post three), with three seasonal scores, a record of 1:54.1 and over $11K in yearly purses might well be chief to contend though with Bruce Ranger picking up the lines for trainer Benson Merrill.

The inaugural program concludes with Oceanview Echo riding a three-race win streak into battle in race 10 while attempting to extend his seasonal undefeated streak with Walter Case, Jr., teaming for trainer Dana Whittemore.

Live harness racing will be proudly featured through mid-summer at Bangor’s Hollywood Casino and Raceway on Wednesday afternoons with a 3:00 PM (EDT) post time while the popular Sunday Matinees get underway at 12:15 PM.