Lyons Friends and driver Kody Massey went from worst to first to capture the $10,800 featured Open Pace on Saturday night (Nov. 26) at Northville Downs in 1:55.2.

Following a three-wide tussle for the early lead between Lying In Cash, Gabe The Babe and Quality Closer, Lyons Friends settled in seventh past the quarter in a blazing :26.4. Lying In Cash then yielded for the pocket behind Quality Closer, who got to the half in :56 and to the three-quarters in 1:25. Lying In Cash, the 3-5 favourite, was forced to bow out of contention with a flat tire as they moved up the backside, opening the door for Lyons Friends to sweep in from last to take over the lead in the stretch to win by a length and a quarter margin over Quality Closer who hung on for second and Avalanche Hanover who finished third.

The win was the 9th of the year and the 16th victory for the five-year-old Western Ideal gelding, who is owned by Gary Wilmoth and conditioned by Elizabeth Tolley. 

Drivers Lindsay Moen, Justin Irvine and Marc St. Louis Jr. each captured two driving victories on the night. Trainer Gerald Malady had three training wins on the night as well.

Live racing at Northville Downs resumes on Friday (Dec. 2) at 7:30 p.m. (EST). Every live Friday racing program features dollar night with $1 live programs, $1 pop, $1 popcorn and $2 hot dogs. Northville Downs races every Friday and Saturday night from now through Dec. 17.

(Northville Downs)