Lying In Cash and Jason Merriman captured the featured $9,500 Open 1 Pace at Northville Downs on Saturday, Aug. 19 in a dazzling 1:53.1.

When the wings sprung shut, Gabe The Babe (Drew Neill) and Lying In Cash battled for the early lead but once they turned to the backstretch, Lying In Cash took over and never looked back, putting up all the initial fractions of :26.4, :55.3 and 1:24 before defeating his seven rivals in 1:53.1. Southwind Amazon finished second, 2-1/2 lengths back of the winner, while Last Bet was just a nose back of Southwind Amazon, in third. 

Lying In Cash (Aracache Hanover – Jokerslitlwhitelie) is bred, owned and trained in Michigan by Techia Lohmann and the win was the 34th of his career.

Earlier on the night in race five, Commander Bob (Real Desire - Christa Ann) leased by Kyle Larner, trained by Sean Mapes and driven by David Lake, equalled the track record by a four-year-old pacing horse in 1:54.1, a record that was set in 1994 by Rocket Jockey and driver Clay Faurot Jr.

Driver Kody Massey had a grand slam on the night while Drew Neill had his second hat trick of the weekend.  Trainer Todd Pappas had a double on the card as well, one of which gave Pappas his first driving win of the meet, first driving win since July 2021 and just his second pari-mutuel driving win of his career as well.

Racing at The Ville resumes Friday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. Friday night is dollar night featuring $1 live programs, $1 pop and popcorn, $2 hot dogs and beer and hamburger and cheeseburger specials. Northville Downs races every Friday and Saturday night until Sept. 30 with a 7 p.m. post time. For live racing dining reservations, be sure to call Northville Downs in advance at 248-924-2073.

(Northville Downs)