Cumberland, ME — The final weekend of the spring-summer harness racing meet at Cumberland Raceway features five $14,000-plus Maine Sire Stakes divisions over the Saturday and Sunday (Aug. 1-2) cards, along with a pair of $12,000 Pine Tree Opens.
Saturday’s (Aug. 1) card features a pair of $15,000-plus Maine Sire Stakes events for 2-year-old pacing fillies, with the undefeated No Small Wonder going for her third victory in a row. Driven by top reinsman Kevin Switzer Jr. for his dad, trainer Kevin Switzer, the frosh filly is by State Treasurer.
But the ‘big guns’ come out on Sunday’s (Aug. 2) closing-day card as the $12,000 Pine Tree Open Trot is highlighted by some of the region’s top trotters.
TCS Brenda (2-1, McGwire Sowers) will look to capitalize on her recent form as she has three wins over her last five starts and has emerged as the one to watch. The 5-year-old daughter of Triumphant Caviar is seeking her seventh seasonal victory. She will have to contend with Big Al M (5-2, Switzer Jr.) and Party At Seven (3-1, Nick Graffam), who have also had their share of local success.
The $12,000 companion Pine Tree Open Pace features Rock Candy (3-1, Heath Campbell), who will also look for his seventh seasonal score. Owned and trained by Walter Ward, the 10-year-old veteran by Pet Rock has earned $727,022 lifetime.
Sunday’s card starts early with a pair of $14,000-plus non-wagering Maine Sire Stakes events for trotters starting at 11:45 a.m. The action continues with another 10-race pari-mutuel card with two more $15,000-plus events for 2- and 3-year-old Pine Tree State-bred trotters.
First post is 12:15 p.m. (EDT) during the final weekend of extended pari-mutuel meeting. Following this weekend, racing resumes at the Cumberland Fair for an eight-day meet during late September. The Winter Festival at First Tracks Cumberland starts on Nov. 8 for a 15-day meet through Dec. 13.
A complete calendar and additional information can be viewed by visiting the track’s website.