Cumberland, ME – Driver Kevin Switzer Jr. won nearly half the races on the 13-race card at Cumberland Raceway on Saturday (July 11), including the co-features.
With the Maine Amateur Driving Club Race in the opener (Todd Whitney), Switzer got things going as early as he could—in the second race.
In the late half of the early double Switzer put Rau Ru on the front end in the $4,600 Claiming Pace (6,000 tag) and never looked back. Winning by 5-3/4 lengths in 1:56.2, it was the swiftest race of the day for owner-trainer Zach Vickerson. They returned $2.20.
Switzer Jr. came right back in the third with Coach Cutsinger (1:57.2, $3.20) for trainer Randy Bickmore which paid $3.20. Then the black and blue-clad teamster won the co-featured $5,200 NW2550 with Rock Candy in 1:56.4. Also owned and trained by Vickerson, he returned $2.40.
In the eighth race Switzer Jr. finished second and was placed first with Quatrain Blue Chip, returning $2.80.
Familiar face Sheriff N took charge in the eleventh and enjoyed a pillar to post rout in 1:56.4. Also owned and trained by Zach Vickerson, he paid $3.80 with Switzer Jr aboard.
Finally, Switzer Jr. closed out his six win afternoon with an off the pace score behind Mallard. Getting up under the shadow of the wire in 1:59, the Bob Marston-trained steed paid a whopping $24.40.
Driver Nick Graffam enjoyed a hat trick on the program, and veteran driver-trainer John Nason won a pair with his own Ridgecrest Dan (1:57.4, $5.00) and Cheri’s Choice (1:58.1, $3.80).
Kevin Switzer Jr. continues his reign atop the leader board with 74 seasonal victories at First Tracks Cumberland. Nick Graffam (58) and Aaron Hall (49) round out the top three.
Michelle Lefebvre has 49 training wins for current conditioner honors, followed by Bob Marston who has 36.
Racing resumes on Friday (July 17) in concert with the track’s Friday – Saturday schedule for the remainder of the month. The only exception being a three day run from Fri., July 24 through Sun., July 26 during the penultimate weekend of the meet.
First post is 12:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 2.
A complete calendar and additional information can be viewed by visiting our website: First Tracks Cumberland