Quality Closer and driver Marc St. Louis Jr. staved off a fast-closing Lying In Cash to take the $10,800 Open Pace at Northville Downs on Saturday (Dec. 10) evening in 1:55.2.

Eyes Dont Lie, the lone mare in the field, took advantage of her pole position and blazed to the opening quarter in :27 with driver Winter Asher-Stalbaum. Quality Closer drew alongside the leader and took over in the paddock turn. The 10-year-old Quality Western gelding then put up the final three numbers in :56.1, 1:25.2 and 1:55.2 to win by a head over a hard-charging Lying In Cash, who had to change tactics tonight from his outside post and was the runner-up. Lyons Friends finished third.

This was the 50th win for Quality Closer and his eighth of the season, raising his lifetime earnings to $497,267. Mark Headworth trains Quality Closer and co-owns with Christopher Knecht.

St. Louis Jr. had a big night with four wins. Drivers Winter Asher-Stalbaum, Jason Merriman and Drew Neill had two wins each. Headworth had three training wins during the evening and Asher-Stalbaum had two training wins as well.

Northville Downs live racing resumes Friday (Dec. 16) 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. Next weekend (Dec 16 & 17) is closing weekend at Northville Downs for the 2022 meet.

(Northville Downs)