Cumberland, ME — Perennial leading driver Bruce Ranger was back to his winning ways at Cumberland Raceway, scoring a hat trick on Friday’s (April 11) opening-day card, as did McGwire Sowers.
Ranger copped his three wins with horses trained by Benson Merrill. Last season’s fourth-leading trainer at Cumberland, with 28 wins, Merrill harnessed Pretty Gorgeous (1:59.3, $3.80), Zampara (2:01.3, $5.00) and Ten Beach Later (2:01.1, $2.80). Then, Merrill jumped in the bike himself and scored with Art Of Endurance (2:00, $6.40) to give himself a training grand slam on the program.
Sowers got his three notches aboard charges from the Autym Robinson stable, who enjoyed 20 wins at Cumberland in 2024. Together, they accounted for victories with Vel Miss Taylor (1:59.4, $2.40). Mr Fantasy (2:00.1, $2.60) and Moonlightandroses (1:59.1., $12.60), all owned by Mo Coo Inc.
Dave Ingraham took the $5,000 featured trot with To My Credit in 2:01.3. The 5-year-old son of Credit Winner is trained by Frank Hiscock and paid $14.80 to win.
Shortly before Friday’s first race, nearly 40 drivers, trainers and other Maine harness horsepeople assembled in front of the infield tote board to observe a moment of silence for driver Hunter Myers, who died last month of complications from injuries sustained in a racing accident at The Meadows.
Saturday’s (April 12) card carries 10 races and kicks off with the season’s first Maine Amateur Driving Club event. The $4,000 purse attracted five entrants and is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed stores of North Falmouth and Windham, Maine. Michael Girouard drives his own Menlo Park, who has been installed as the 4-5 favorite from pylon position.
The area’s better side-steppers square off in a $5,000 conditioned pace, carded as race four. Zack Vickerson brings Heavensway A (6-5, Switzer Jr.) from Saratoga and looks to dominate. The 8-year-old son of Rock N Roll Heaven earned nearly $60,000 last season.
There is a $618 carryover in the pentafecta in race 10. Other wagering options with low 16% takeouts include the Pick-5 (races 3-7) and the Pick-4 (races 7-10).
Looking ahead to the first Saturday in May, bettors and fans of Thoroughbred racing will be able to watch and wager on the entire Kentucky Derby card from Churchill Downs right in the Cumberland grandstand.
First Track’s Cumberland Spring/Summer meet will continue through Aug. 2 with regular racing on Friday and Saturday each weekend. Daily first post is slated for 3:15 p.m. (EDT).