Cumberland hosts three Late Closer finals

First Tracks Cumberland’s three Kick-Off Late Closer Series finals go postward on Friday (April 22) and Saturday (April 23), which collectively boast $30,000 in harness racing purses.

On the Friday (April 22) 13-race card, the Kick-Off #1 final carries a prize of $8,000 and is slated as race 12.  The early morning line favorite is Northview Punter N, who retains the services of Bruce Ranger following a 2:00.2 victory in his elimination race.  The 13-year-old son of Bettor’s Delight scores from post five and is owned and trained by Michelle Hardin and was installed at 5-2.

Second choice at 3-1 is the other elimination winner She’sallfinn.  Owned and trained by Rex Ellis, the 9-year-old daughter of Duneside Perch took her elim. in 2:00.1 by five lengths.

The field for the Kick-Off LC # 1 is as follows with post position, horse, morning line odds, driver & trainer:

1, That’s Some Plan, 6-1, Mike Stevenson, Mike Stevenson

2, Shadytouch, 7-2, Andy Harrington, Sherry Cushing

3, Seafood King, 5-1, Drew Campbell, Richard Bartlett

4, Librado Hanover, 9-2, Aaron Hall, Ryan Hall

5, Northview Punter N, 5-2, Bruce Ranger, Michelle Harding

6, She’sallfinn, 3-1, Matt Athearn, Rex Ellis

7, Eternal Ring, 4-1, Dan Deslandes, Dalton Lee

Saturday’s (April 23) 11-race card is headlined by two more Kick-Off finals, presented as races 7 and 9 on the program.

The morning line favorite for the $10,000 Kick Off LC # 2 series final is Oceanview Echo, who won his last two starts, including last week’s elim in 1:59.2.  Driven by Walter Case Jr. for owner/trainer Dana Whittemore, the 5-year-old Rollwithitharry mare will have to contend with Meetmeatthedance and Sandinista, who both won their respective elimination races.

The field for the Kick-Off LC # 2:

1, Sandinista, 7-2, Andy Harrington, Sara Harrington

2, Meetmeatthedance, 3-1, Kevin Switzer Jr., Bob Marston

3, Oceanview Echo, 5-2, Walter Case Jr., Dan Whittemore

4, Smart Move, 5-1, Aaron Hall, Sherry Cushing

5, Racing For Rick, 4-1, Dan Deslandes, Zack Gray

6, Silver Shooter, 9-2, Drew Campbell, Bob Marston

7, Three Day Forecast, 6-1, Matt Athearn, Ryan Berry

Kick-Off LC #3 carries a $12,000 final purse, is led by favorite Count To Three, and gets a driver change to 2021’s leading Cumberland dash winner Drew Campbell.  Owned by Michelle Lefebvre and trained by Chris Lefebvre, the 5-year-old Mach Three mare is sporting two victories in her last three outings.

The field for the Kick-Off LC # 3:

1, Rose Run Slider, 9-2, Dan Deslandes, Mark Harris

2, Baywood Shadow, 6-1, Kevin Switzer Jr., Billy Dubois

3, Eleanor Jean, 4-1, Gary Mosher, Christine Holt

4, Cyclone Pass, 7-2, Nick Graffam, Mike Graffam

5, Count To Three, 5-2, Drew Campbell, Chris Lefebvre

6, Rockintheniteaway, 5-1, Matt Athearn, Billy Dubois

7, Colorful Speech, 3-1, Bruce Ranger, Zach Vickerson

Post time for the Spring/Summer meet is set for 3 p.m. on both Fridays and Saturdays, with the extended pari-mutuel meeting racing each weekend through July 23.

Qualifiers for Saturday at Cumberland have been moved up to 1 pm to allow for the overflow of horses in the paddock during the regular card.

The final race on both Friday and Saturday features our 20 cent Hi-Five (Pentafecta), with a low takeout of 16%.

More information can be found on our website: and on our Facebook page: First Tracks Cumberland.

by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland