Cumberland, ME – Veteran amateur reinsman Todd Whitney boldly got Iwillmakeyousaywow into the Blue Seal Feeds winners circle at Cumberland Raceway on Saturday (June 3) to celebrate his first seasonal victory in the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) race.

Todd Whitney steers Iwillmakeyousaywow to victory in the Maine Amateur Driving Club race at Cumberland. Stephanie Gray photo.

Whitney, a former national amateur driving champion, was not afraid to take in some of that good Southern Maine air as he sent even-money wagering favorite Iwillmakeyousaywow first over just past the quarter in :29.3. As the he continued to range up toward the leaders, Southern Terror (Benson Merrill) cutting the fractions, and Led Schneppelin (Jason Bertolini) in the pocket, Whitney’s head-strong steed was just a half-length off of the front at the 1:00 half.

Shortening his margin to a tight neck into a 1:29.3 third panel, the credentialed 11-year-old son of Manhardt continued to dig in through the final turn while at the throat latch of the equally distinguished leader, Southwind Terror. As the field entered the home stretch several fresh horses swarmed around the leader, but it was Whitney and Iwillmakeyousaywow that strode away and emerged victorious in 2:01.1 over the rain-soaked surface.

Owned and trained by James Heap, it was the 61st career victory for the lifetime winner of $451,578. Iwillmakeyousaywow paid $4.00 to win, while Meetmeatthedance (Derek Howes) finished second, and Southwind Terror hung on for third. The MADC is proudly sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine.

The $5,500 top trot of the day was captured by Broadway Giant in 2:02.3. Driven by Bruce Ranger for owner/trainer Ron Patoine, the 9-year-old son of Broadway Giant paid $5.20 to win in a coast-to-coast tour of the fairgrounds facility. Favorite Northern Skyway (Drew Campbell) was second; Inukchuck Chuck (Dave Ingraham) was third.

Wally Watson lit up the virtual tote board in his 1:59.2 score with De Chirico in the $5,500 top conditioned pace of the week. The 6-year-old son of So Surreal came first over at the half, and never looked back. Trained by Chris Lefebvre for owner Michelle Lefebvre, he paid $36.00 to win for the twelfth time in his career.

Broadway Giant takes the week’s top trot with Bruce Ranger aboard. Stephanie Gray photo.

Leading driver Bruce Ranger had three wins on the card, and remains in first place in the drivers’ standings with 27 seasonal victories. Nick Graffam moved into the second spot with 23 victories over Kevin Switzer Jr. with 22. Chris Lefebvre is the leading trainer with 15 wins.

Next week, Cumberland will offer live viewing and wagering on the $1,500,000 Belmont Stakes from Belmont Park, which is located in the New York City borough of Queens. Saturday, June 10th marks the 155th renewal of the third and final jewel of the Thoroughbred Triple Crown, which is a mile and a half test of endurance and stamina. This year also celebrates the 50th anniversary of Secretariat’s world record and Triple Crown winning performance. Cumberland will offer flats programs, as well as all of the fashionable wagering opportunities.

Live harness racing continues at Cumberland throughout the Spring and early Summer months with regular racing on Friday and Saturday each weekend. First post is slated for 3:15 p.m. (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 5.

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