Designer Specs and driver Skip DeMull captured the $9,500 Open Trot in 1:57.3 on Friday night (Oct. 20) at Northville Downs. 

The Open Trot was featured on the Friday night program and the race did not disappoint. It shaped up like a replay of last week’s race as the betting favourite, Herecomescharlie B, with driver Dan Venier, went first-up past the quarter in 28 seconds, clearing early leader Saulsgood just by the half in :57.2. Designer Specs, who got away from the car in ninth, was second-over at the half and the battle ensued to the backstretch. But just like last week, Designer Specs rolled right past Herecomescharlie B to take the lead and she never looked back. She went by three-quarters in 1:26.4 and finished the mile in 1:57.3 with a one-length final margin of victory over a hard-charging Omyheart and Holton, who also closed well for third. 

Designer Specs (Full Count-Avalon Hall) notched her 31st career win from 67 starts. Jay Weller trains and co-owns the five-year-old mare with Louise Weller.

Kody Massey had a driving hat trick on the program and Chris Allen enjoyed a training double on the rainy night. 

Racing at The Ville resumes on Saturday, Oct. 21, with a 10-race program starting at 7 p.m.

(With files from Northville Downs)