Cumberland

[GOAT]

I see where they are starting qualifiers at Cumberland Maine tomorrow. Where is Winston Drew Cambpell?

[titans1127]

Drew is driving at The Track on 2 in Alberta this weekend.

[dougie]

Yep, Cumberland is opening next Saturday. I'll be part of the opening day crowd. Except if it's snowing. LOL! Last opening day, they had about 100 people on the grandstand side. Mostly family of the horse folk. Rumor is that the bathrooms are fixed and better food will be available. Time will tell.

[BrokenHeadPole]

Heard there will be a variety of food trucks based on demand. Seafood to Pizza.

[Papillon]

will there be any Saratoga shippers or will all the starters be coming off a 3 or more month layoff?

[dougie]

Heard there will be a variety of food trucks based on demand. Seafood to Pizza.

That would be great! I enjoy the meet there. It's only about 40 minutes to get there. Beautiful drive the back way down those old country roads.

[dougie]

will there be any Saratoga shippers or will all the starters be coming off a 3 or more month layoff?

If it's anything like last year, they'll be a few shippers, but mostly horses who have had a long layoff from racing. I expect the usual trainer/driver colony from years past. Most will alternate between Maine and Plainridge once they open in mid-april. They go pretty quick at Plainridge and Cumby horses have a tough time there. When they do win there, it's usually a double-digit payout.

[Papillon]

If it's anything like last year, they'll be a few shippers, but mostly horses who have had a long layoff from racing. I expect the usual trainer/driver colony from years past. Most will alternate between Maine and Plainridge once they open in mid-april. They go pretty quick at Plainridge and Cumby horses have a tough time there. When they do win there, it's usually a double-digit payout.

thanks Dougie

I prefer not to play races where they have 90 days or more without racing, so the first two weekends I will probably just watch and make notes

[MCR]

Anybody new coming into race? How come no Walter down to qualify? Is he still side lined due to health?

[dougie]

Anybody new coming into race? How come no Walter down to qualify? Is he still side lined due to health?

From the qualifiers, it would seem the "regular" driving colony will be back this season. I haven't heard anything concerning Walter of late, but should know more on opening day. I'm thinking Kevin Switzer, Jr. will battle with Aaron Hall & Nick Graffam fro the driving title. Bruce Ranger will of course be in the battle for the top spot, but he makes more money driving regularly at Plainridge.

[Wawajones]

Need Butterfield and Dandy Dan Deslandes back!

[Mohawk mac]

Scott Ehrlich will be back to call the races again this meet.  Loves to hear himself talk and tries to fill every second so there is no dead air time.  But, on the other hand, he is still a colorful and accurate race caller and you will know exactly where your horse is throughout the mile.  "Rambling Willie has his mo jo workin'!"  "But it's Festivus, for the rest of us!"   

[Racetime]

Sowers and DuBois both back in Maine and horses should be sharp. Switzer will again  be leading driver with no Bruce, Drew or Casey. Rumor is the snack bar will have Lewiston lobster rolls again this year. In the famous words of Roger Houston...Be There...lol

[BrokenHeadPole]

Tough track to play. People stuff claimers with minimal claiming. Huge amount 0f 1/5 or less.