Donttouchmytruck paced the fastest mile of the meet so far at Northville Downs at Barry Expo Center, stopping the timer in 1:54.4 to capture the featured $19,444 Open Handicap Pace on Thursday, Sept. 17.

After a scramble for the early lead among Mother Mary (Joe Casagranda), Haste Make Waste (Ty Goodell) and Two Birds Onestone (Jennifer Main), the latter took command past the quarter in :28.2. Donttouchmytruck, leaving from post eight in line to Kody Massey, advanced on the outside and challenged for the lead before striking the front past the half in :56.4.

The top duo then raced to the three-quarters in 1:26.2. As they entered the stretch, Two Birds Onestone tipped out for the drive, but Donttouchmytruck had plenty left in the tank to fend off the late challenge and win by 1-1/4 lengths. Two Birds Onestone finished second, with Mother Mary third.

Donttouchmytruck is owned, trained and was bred by Judy Roegner, who enjoyed a big week with four victories over the two-day period. The winner, a six-year-old son of Racing Hill-Age Of Consent, is now 17-for-58 lifetime. He paid $3.60 to win.

Massey also had a strong showing during the race week, recording three wins on Thursday and seven victories overall.

Racing resumes at the Hastings, Mich., oval on Tuesday, Sept. 22, with a 1 p.m. first-race post time.

(Northville Downs)