Memoirs + manifestos + musings of a horse racing managing partner + soccer club administrator in Maine
Saturday, May 31, 2025
Cumberland Pick 3: Saturday, May 31 (Day No. 16)
(Below are three selections for First Tracks Cumberland selected by Isaac Salisbury, Steve Morgan, and John Morgan. Each handicapper will start with a mythical $408 bankroll, and each selection will be bet with mythical $2 Win and $2 Place bets.)
Isaac Salisbury
$362.00 (- 11.3%)
Isaac is a Skowhegan native who became a passionate fan of horse racing when he discovered a knack for handicapping races when he was a senior in college during the pandemic in 2020.
Race No. 3
#1: Koepka (9-2 ML)
Driver Kevin Switzer, Jr. in the first post position is a good play.
Race No. 6
#3: We're Gonna Rock (9-2 ML)
Coming into form, could be good value.
Race No. 9
#3: American Fighter (7-2 ML)
Trainer play with Mark Harris.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Steve Morgan
$397.20 (- 2.6%)
A partner in the Ivory Pine Syndicate, Steve has been attending and betting on races in Maine since the grandstands were full and Leigh Fitch was the leading driver.
Race No. 3
#5: Word Out (3-1 ML)
Winner of four consecutive races, highest speed figure, and fastest recent time.
Race No. 7
#5: Crimson Pine (5-1 ML)
Our partnership's pacer is used to racing on an off track, he won last time out, and he should be a good price.
Race No. 8
#4: Dinner Party (2-1 ML)
Consistent speed figures, and driver Drew Campbell should be able to get the pacer out on the lead.
John Morgan
$376.40 (- 7.7%)
John is the founder and managing partner of the Ivory Pine Syndicate.
Race No. 1
#2: Azariya (5-2 ML)
Good post, small drop in class, and good off-track form.
Race No. 2
#2: Maching Time (10-1 ML)
Good post, good price, and good off-track form.
Race No. 7
#3: Crimson Pine (5-1 ML)
Our partnership's pacer has a decent post, pretty good off-track form, and should be a decent price despite coming off a win in a slightly higher class last week.
RSC 365: Friday, May 30 (Day No. 4)
- Texted with a couple of our coaches and talked with a club director about an upcoming Presidents Cup deadline
- Sent an e-mail to our club directors about a special meeting for voting on 2025-2026 coaches at a meeting scheduled for Sunday (6/1), only a couple hours after our last 12U-19U teams will play its final Maine State Premier League game of the 2024-2025 season
- Sent e-mails to coaches and directors about an upcoming deadlines for coaching applications
- Talked with our 10U Boys coach about an upcoming 10U Boys round-robin
- Talked with one of our coaches about an upcoming MSPL game and plans for next season
- Texted with one of our directors about an upcoming board meeting
- Texted with our indoor facilities partner about field availability this summer for our 23U teams
- Texted with one of our directors and one of our coaches about an upcoming Presidents Cup roster deadline
- Texted with another one of our directors about an upcoming Presidents Cup roster deadline
- Texted with one of our coaches about a recent MSPL game
- Texted with one of our coaches about training sessions for next week
- Texted with a parent about a 23U roster offer
- Talked with one of our coaches about next season
- Talked with another one of our coaches about next season
- Talked with one of our directors about next season
- Texted with a director from another club about an upcoming round-robin
- Texted with one of our coaches about a few questions they had
Maine Soccer Roadmap: Friday, May 30 (Day No. 132)
(This series is the documentation of a 365-day project to help develop more local and regional soccer clubs in Maine, help improve the connectivity among new and existing local and regional clubs in Maine, and cultivate a more purposeful and accessible local --> regional --> state developmental pathway for all of Maine's soccer stakeholders.)
Didn't do any work related to Maine soccer today.
Daily Time: 0 hours
Total Time: 170.5 hours
Daily Miles: 0 miles
Total Miles: 3,277 miles
Related: Now is a Good Time to Reimagine Maine Soccer (December 11, 2024)
Friday, May 30, 2025
Cumberland Pick 3: Friday, May 30 (Meet Day No. 15)
(Below are three selections for First Tracks Cumberland selected by Isaac Salisbury, Steve Morgan, and John Morgan. Each handicapper will start with a mythical $408 bankroll, and each selection will be bet with mythical $2 Win and $2 Place bets.)
Isaac Salisbury
$369.80 (- 9.4%)
Isaac is a Skowhegan native who became a passionate fan of horse racing when he discovered a knack for handicapping races when he was a senior in college during the pandemic in 2020.
Race No. 4
#2: Rambling Ruby (4-1 ML)
Going with a driver play, McGwire Sowers is a good fit for this pacer.
Race No. 8
#4: Forrest Blu (9-2 ML)
The pacer may not have the preferred value in this race, but that's a good tradeoff for a good ride by Aaron Hall on an Andrew Harrington trainee.
Race No. 11
#1: Southwind Legend (2-1 ML)
This pacer is due with Drew Campbell in the bike.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Steve Morgan
$396.80 (- 2.7%)
A partner in the Ivory Pine Syndicate, Steve has been attending and betting on races in Maine since the grandstands were full and Leigh Fitch was the leading driver.
Race No. 1
#1: Deedeedit (3-1 ML)
In the money for all six races this season, solid speed figures for this group, and the capable Aaron Hall in the sulky.
Race No. 3
#4: Odds On Brexit (8-5 ML)
The pacer has won 3 of his last four races, and speed figures and times are the best in this group.
Race No. 6
#5: Maggie At Bat (3-1 ML)
This mare has the highest speed figures and fastest time in the group, and Aaron Hall is in the sulky.
John Morgan
$382.00 (- 6.4%)
John is the founder and managing partner of the Ivory Pine Syndicate.
Race No. 4
#2: Rambling Ruby (4-1 ML)
Good post, small drop in class, and decent price.
Race No. 7
#1: Happy Man (5-2 ML)
Good post and decent speed figures in an uneven field.
Race No. 8
#3: Time For George (4-1 ML)
Good post, good speed figures, and a good driver.
RSC 365: Thursday, May 29 (Day No. 3)
- Talked with a state association director about logistical challenges associated with make-up 10U round-robins our club is responsible for hosting
- Coordinated make-up 10U round-robins with one of our opponents
- Worked with our indoor field partner to coordinate new dates and times for indoor fields related to make-up round-robins and 23U training sessions
- Coordinated ref assignments for make-up 10U round-robins with our club's referee assignor
- Exchanged e-mails with state association directors about issues with Maine State Premier League playoff and Presidents Cup rosters
- Sent an e-mail to coaches of all participating teams in the make-up 10U Boys round-robins, and updated official schedule spreadsheet
- Talked with one of our club's directors about MSPL and Presidents Cup rosters
- Talked with one of our coaches about upcoming 10U Boys round-robins, including a scheduling snafu outside of our control
- Talked with an opposing coach involved in our rescheduled 10U Girls round-robin
- Talked with one of our club's directors about MSPL and Presidents Cup rosters
- Talked with another opposing coach involved in our rescheduled 10U Girls round-robin
- Talked with our coach again about 10U Boys round-robins
- Talked with a club director from another club about logistical issues associated with a 10U Boys round-robin his team is also involved in
- Talked with yet another opposing coach involved in our rescheduled 10U Girls round-robin
- Talked with our 10U Girls coach about our rescheduled 10U Girls round-robin
- Talked again with the club director about a 10U Boys round-robin
- Talked with our 10U Boys coach yet again about a 10U Boys round-robin
- Talked with a 23U Women's coach from another club about this summer's 23U Women programming
- Talked with yet another opposing coach involved in our rescheduled 10U Girls round-robin
- Finalized our 10U Boys and 10U Girls round-robins and updated the official schedule spreadsheet
- Talked with another club director about a roster-related situation in an 11U Boys MSPL game we're hosting in Windham tonight
- Talked with another club director about end-of-season logistics
- Talked with yet another club director about issues associated with an upcoming 10U Boys round-robin
Maine Soccer Roadmap: Thursday, May 29 (Day No. 131)
(This series is the documentation of a 365-day project to help develop more local and regional soccer clubs in Maine, help improve the connectivity among new and existing local and regional clubs in Maine, and cultivate a more purposeful and accessible local --> regional --> state developmental pathway for all of Maine's soccer stakeholders.)
Talked with a 23U Women's coach from another club about this summer's programming, and hosted a virtual Maine Soccer Hall of Fame meeting.
Daily Time: 1.75 hours
Total Time: 170.5 hours
Daily Miles: 0 miles
Total Miles: 3,277 miles
Related: Now is a Good Time to Reimagine Maine Soccer (December 11, 2024)
Thursday, May 29, 2025
RSC 365: Thursday, May 28 (Day No. 2)
- Texted with another club owner about Maine legislation that could impact our clubs
- Followed up on 23U Men's roster offers sent out last week
- Worked on finalizing Maine State Premier League and Presidents Cup rosters
- Prepared and e-mailed our club's seventeenth member update for the 2024-2025 season
- Prepared and posted social media graphic for MSPL game post
- Prepared and e-mailed coaches' update for 2025-2026 coaching applications
- Prepared social media graphics for 2025-2026 season preparations
- Followed up on 23U Women's roster offers sent out last week
- Worked on finalizing logistics for make-up 10U Boys and 10U Girls round-robins our club is hosting
- Called a 10U Boys coach from another club to coordinate a logistical wrinkle associated with the 10U Boys make-up round-robin
- Checked in with our 10U Girls and 11U Girls coaches about an upcoming training sessions and session plans
- Talked with a couple of our club's directors about logistical and personnel topics for 23U programming and our club's 2025-2026 youth programming
- Checked in with our 13U Girls, 14U Boys, and 14U Girls coaches about upcoming games and planning for the 2025-2026 season
- Worked with one of our club's directors to (finally) finalize MSPL tournament rosters, Presidents Cup rosters, and logistics associated with upcoming coaching appointments and player evaluations for the 2025-2026 season
- Sent an e-mail to our state association to (hopefully) put a lid on MSPL tournament and Presidents Cup rosters
- Checked our members' responses in a feedback survey about our 22-page RSC 2030 Committee document
Maine Soccer Roadmap: Wednesday, May 28 (Day No. 130)
(This series is the documentation of a 365-day project to help develop more local and regional soccer clubs in Maine, help improve the connectivity among new and existing local and regional clubs in Maine, and cultivate a more purposeful and accessible local --> regional --> state developmental pathway for all of Maine's soccer stakeholders.)
Didn't do any work related to Maine soccer.
Daily Time: 0 hours
Total Time: 168.75 hours
Daily Miles: 0 miles
Total Miles: 3,277 miles
Related: Now is a Good Time to Reimagine Maine Soccer (December 11, 2024)
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
36/36 Bankroll: Wednesday, May 28 (Wager No. 43)
(This series will feature $2 Double and a $2, 2-leg parlay wagers in horse racing and soccer over a 50-day period. Any profits will be donated to the Futures for Standardbreds and/or Street Soccer USA.)
*Horse Racing*
Bangor Raceway (Bangor, Maine)
Race No. 1 (3p)
#2: Finevineofsunshine (3-1 ML)
Race No. 2 (3:20p)
#2: Dreamfair Fantasy (3-1 ML)
Horse Racing Hit Rate: 31% (26/84)
Horse Racing Bankroll: $152.40 (+323.3%)
*Soccer*
Men's Eliteserien (Norway)
Game No. 1 (3p)
Bodø/Glimt (-210)
Men's Conference League (UEFA)
Game No. 2 (3p)
Real Betis (+320)
Soccer Hit Rate: 50% (42/84)
Soccer Bankroll: $6.73 (-81.3%)
*Total*
Total Hit Rate: 40% (68/168)
Total Bankroll: $159.13 (+121.0%)
RSC 365: Tuesday, May 27 (Day No. 1)
- Uploaded Veo footage from recent 11U Boys and 11U Girls tournament games
- Compiled team photos from recent tournament finalists and champions
- Scheduled chat with three fellow club directors
- Worked on finalizing Presidents Cup rosters
- Worked on finalizing Maine State Premier League rosters
- Prepared graphic for social media post
- Posted social media graphic
- Coordinated pick-up and drop-off of club Veo by coach recording a training session for a coaching course
- Hosted phone calls with club directors from three other clubs
- Worked on finalizing Maine State Premier League rosters
- Worked on finalizing Presidents Cup rosters
Maine Soccer Roadmap: Tuesday, May 27 (Day No. 129)
(This series is the documentation of a 365-day project to help develop more local and regional soccer clubs in Maine, help improve the connectivity among new and existing local and regional clubs in Maine, and cultivate a more purposeful and accessible local --> regional --> state developmental pathway for all of Maine's soccer stakeholders.)
Hosted phone calls with three club directors to explore the possibility of developing a reimagined Maine State Premier League that provides more consistent and predictable schedules and more opportunities for competitive games on a week-to-week basis.
Daily Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 168.75 hours
Daily Miles: 0 miles
Total Miles: 3,277 miles
Related: Now is a Good Time to Reimagine Maine Soccer (December 11, 2024)
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Maine Soccer Roadmap: Monday, May 26 (Day No. 128)
(This series is the documentation of a 365-day project to help develop more local and regional soccer clubs in Maine, help improve the connectivity among new and existing local and regional clubs in Maine, and cultivate a more purposeful and accessible local --> regional --> state developmental pathway for all of Maine's soccer stakeholders.)
Didn't do any work related to soccer in Maine.
Daily Time: 0 hours
Total Time: 167.75 hours
Daily Miles: 0 miles
Total Miles: 3,277 miles
Related: Now is a Good Time to Reimagine Maine Soccer (December 11, 2024)
Monday, May 26, 2025
Maine Soccer Roadmap: Sunday, May 25 (Day No. 127)
(This series is the documentation of a 365-day project to help develop more local and regional soccer clubs in Maine, help improve the connectivity among new and existing local and regional clubs in Maine, and cultivate a more purposeful and accessible local --> regional --> state developmental pathway for all of Maine's soccer stakeholders.)
Didn't do any work related to soccer in Maine.
Daily Time: 0 hours
Total Time: 167.75 hours
Daily Miles: 0 miles
Total Miles: 3,277 miles
Related: Now is a Good Time to Reimagine Maine Soccer (December 11, 2024)
Sunday, May 25, 2025
Maine Soccer Roadmap: Saturday, May 24 (Day No. 126)
(This series is the documentation of a 365-day project to help develop more local and regional soccer clubs in Maine, help improve the connectivity among new and existing local and regional clubs in Maine, and cultivate a more purposeful and accessible local --> regional --> state developmental pathway for all of Maine's soccer stakeholders.)
Didn't do any work related to soccer in Maine.
Daily Time: 0 hours
Total Time: 167.75 hours
Daily Miles: 0 miles
Total Miles: 3,277 miles
Related: Now is a Good Time to Reimagine Maine Soccer (December 11, 2024)
Saturday, May 24, 2025
Cumberland Pick 3: Saturday, May 24 (Meet Day No. 14)
(Below are three selections for First Tracks Cumberland selected by Isaac Salisbury, Steve Morgan, and John Morgan. Each handicapper will start with a mythical $408 bankroll, and each selection will be bet with mythical $2 Win and $2 Place bets.)
Isaac Salisbury
$361.00 (- 11.5%)
Isaac is a Skowhegan native who became a passionate fan of horse racing when he discovered a knack for handicapping races when he was a senior in college during the pandemic in 2020.
Race No. 2
#6: Arts Flight (7-2 ML)
Driver Aaron Hall will send this pacer to the front and not look back.
Race No. 3
#6: Crimson Pine (5-2 ML)
Coming off a good time last time out, just got caught up in some really strong pacers.
Race No. 7
#2: Big Plan Stan (7-2 ML)
Paced 159.1 last time out, and has a better post draw this week.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Steve Morgan
$408.80 (+ 0.2%)
A partner in the Ivory Pine Syndicate, Steve has been attending and betting on races in Maine since the grandstands were full and Leigh Fitch was the leading driver.
Race No. 5
#6: Sherriff N (9-5 ML)
Solid times and speed figures, but his post on a sloppy track could hurt his chances.
Race No. 6
#4: Dinner Party (3-1 ML)
Solid times and speed figures.
Race No. 7
#2: Big Plan Stan (7-2 ML)
Class drop, positive post switch, and good speed figure last race.
John Morgan
$362.20 (- 11.2%)
John is the founder and managing partner of the Ivory Pine Syndicate.
Race No. 3
#6: Crimson Pine (5-2 ML)
Our partnership's pacer is getting meaningful class relief against a relatively inexperienced field.
Race No. 6
#5: Vel Letsroll South (7-2 ML)
Plainridge invader has consistent back form and meaningful class relief.
Race No. 7
#2: Big Plan Stan (7-2 ML)
Our pacer's former stablemate is getting some class relief, and he's recorded good speed figures in his two most recent races at Cumberland.
36/36 Bankroll: Saturday, May 24 (Wager No. 42)
(This series will feature $2 Double and a $2, 2-leg parlay wagers in horse racing and soccer over a 50-day period. Any profits will be donated to the Futures for Standardbreds and/or Street Soccer USA.)
*Horse Racing*
Santa Anita Park (Arcadia, California)
Race No. 6 (6:38p)
#6: Shocking Grey (9-2 ML)
Race No. 7 (7:08p)
#7: Miso Phancy (3- ML)
Horse Racing Hit Rate: 32% (26/82)
Horse Racing Bankroll: $154.40 (+328.9%)
*Soccer*
Men's Besta Deilden (Iceland)
Game No. 1 (3:15p)
Vikingur Reykjavik (-360)
USL League One (United States)
Game No. 2 (7p)
Portland Hearts of Pine (+260)
Soccer Hit Rate: 50% (41/82)
Soccer Bankroll: $8.73 (-75.6%)
*Total*
Total Hit Rate: 41% (67/164)
Total Bankroll: $163.13 (+126.6%)
Maine Soccer Roadmap: Friday, May 23 (Day No. 125)
(This series is the documentation of a 365-day project to help develop more local and regional soccer clubs in Maine, help improve the connectivity among new and existing local and regional clubs in Maine, and cultivate a more purposeful and accessible local --> regional --> state developmental pathway for all of Maine's soccer stakeholders.)
Worked on admin for the Maine Soccer Hall of Fame and 23U programming.
Daily Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 167.75 hours
Daily Miles: 0 miles
Total Miles: 3,277 miles
Related: Now is a Good Time to Reimagine Maine Soccer (December 11, 2024)
Friday, May 23, 2025
Cumberland Pick 3: Friday, May 23 (Meet Day No. 13)
(Below are three selections for First Tracks Cumberland selected by Isaac Salisbury, Steve Morgan, and John Morgan. Each handicapper will start with a mythical $408 bankroll, and each selection will be bet with mythical $2 Win and $2 Place bets.)
Isaac Salisbury
$373.00 (- 8.6%)
Isaac is a Skowhegan native who became a passionate fan of horse racing when he discovered a knack for handicapping races when he was a senior in college during the pandemic in 2020.
Race No. 4
#4: Matt So Sure (5-2 ML)
This is a form play. Andrew Harrington is on the sulky with a gelding with good recent starts.
Race No. 7
#3: Mulligan Philly (4-1 ML)
A value play. Good driver in Heath Campbell, and he paced decently at Cumberland last time at the track.
Race No. 9
#2: Mister Muscle (5-1 ML)
Personal favorite. Watched the trotter live, and liked his tempo. Let's get a winner here.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Steve Morgan
$416.00 (+ 2.0%)
A partner in the Ivory Pine Syndicate, Steve has been attending and betting on races in Maine since the grandstands were full and Leigh Fitch was the leading driver.
Race No. 6
#2: Sixftfornfulofmuscl (5-2 ML)
New to Cumberland, this gelding has the fastest recent times in the group and a solid driver in Aaron Hall.
Race No. 7
#1: Twin B High Tech (6-5 ML)
On a 3-race winning streak, so looking to continue that streak even though four consecutive wins is rare in these parts.
Race No. 8
#3: Moonlightandroses (2-1 ML)
Winner last time out, this pacer owns the fastest speed figure and time last race.
John Morgan
$371.80 (- 8.9%)
John is the founder and managing partner of the Ivory Pine Syndicate.
Race No. 1
#2: Rambling Ruby (9-2 ML)
Good post, slight class drop, and a tough post for race favorite.
Race No. 6
#6: Skyway Ballet (9-1 ML)
Tough post, but a meaningful class drop and a good price.
Race No. 9
#3: Northern Skyway (5-2 ML)
Good post and a helpful class drop.
Special Maidens: Friday, February 23 (Wager No. 14)
(This feature will consist of a $2 wager on a first-time starter in a maiden special weight race.)
Churchill Downs (Louisville, Kentucky)
Race No. 2 (1:14p)
#2: Compressed (10-1 ML)
Race No. 4 (2:13p)
#6: Strong (12-1 ML)
Pick Success Rate: 15% (2/13)
Total Bankroll: $93.40 (-6.4%)
Maine Soccer Roadmap: Thursday, May 22, 2025 (Day No. 125)
(This series is the documentation of a 365-day project to help develop more local and regional soccer clubs in Maine, help improve the connectivity among new and existing local and regional clubs in Maine, and cultivate a more purposeful and accessible local --> regional --> state developmental pathway for all of Maine's soccer stakeholders.)
Didn't do any work related to Maine soccer.
Daily Time: 0 hours
Total Time: 166.75 hours
Daily Miles: 0 miles
Total Miles: 3,277 miles
Related: Now is a Good Time to Reimagine Maine Soccer (December 11, 2024)
Thursday, May 22, 2025
36/36 Bankroll: Thursday, May 22 (Wager No. 41)
(This series will feature $2 Double and a $2, 2-leg parlay wagers in horse racing and soccer over a 50-day period. Any profits will be donated to the Futures for Standardbreds and/or Street Soccer USA.)
*Horse Racing*
Belterra Park (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Race No. 1 (12:35p)
#2: Gapper (5-1 ML)
Race No. 2 (1:05p)
#1: Mazoku (9-5 ML)
Horse Racing Hit Rate: 33% (26/80)
Horse Racing Bankroll: $156.40 (+334.4%)
*Soccer*
Men's Bundesliga (Germany)
Game No. 1 (2:30p)
Elversberg (+205)
Men's Eredivisie (Netherlands)
Game No. 2 (3p)
Twente (-145)
Soccer Hit Rate: 50% (40/80)
Soccer Bankroll: $10.73 (-70.2%)
*Total*
Total Hit Rate: 41% (66/160)
Total Bankroll: $167.13 (+132.1%)
Maine Soccer Roadmap: Wednesday, May 21 (Day No. 124)
(This series is the documentation of a 365-day project to help develop more local and regional soccer clubs in Maine, help improve the connectivity among new and existing local and regional clubs in Maine, and cultivate a more purposeful and accessible local --> regional --> state developmental pathway for all of Maine's soccer stakeholders.)
Didn't do any work related to Maine soccer.
Daily Time: 0 hours
Total Time: 166.75 hours
Daily Miles: 0 miles
Total Miles: 3,277 miles
Related: Now is a Good Time to Reimagine Maine Soccer (December 11, 2024)
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Headlines: Mexican Clubs File Claim for Pro/Rel
Lawyers representing 10 second-division clubs in Mexico filed a claim on Monday with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against Liga MX and the Mexican Football Federation (FMF). According to a court document that was reviewed by The Athletic, the 10 clubs from Mexico’s Liga Expansión have demanded the return of promotion and relegation for the 2025-2026 season.
Maine Soccer Roadmap: Tuesday, May 20 (Day No. 123)
(This series is the documentation of a 365-day project to help develop more local and regional soccer clubs in Maine, help improve the connectivity among new and existing local and regional clubs in Maine, and cultivate a more purposeful and accessible local --> regional --> state developmental pathway for all of Maine's soccer stakeholders.)
Didn't do any work related to Maine soccer.
Daily Time: 0 hours
Total Time: 166.75 hours
Daily Miles: 0 miles
Total Miles: 3,277 miles
Related: Now is a Good Time to Reimagine Maine Soccer (December 11, 2024)