Designer Specs and driver Skip DeMull captured the Open Trot and Danikova and driver Justin Irvine snagged the Mares Open Pace on Friday (Oct. 14) night at Northville Downs.
Race seven featured the $9,500 Open Trot and a field of eight classy trotters. The 1-9 favourite, Herecomescharlie B, was poised to win his second Open in a row at the Michigan oval while on the lead to the backstretch, but five-year-old mare Designer Specs proved that mares shouldn’t be counted out against the boys as she cruised by the heavy favourite off of the second-over trip to draw off to win by 4-1/2 lengths over Herecomescharlie B and Dan Venier, who settled for second, and Swan Leader got up for third. Designer Specs (Full Count-Avalon Hall) covered the mile in 1:57.4 and she notched her 30th career win. Jay Weller trains Designer Specs and she is owned by Louis and Jay Weller.
In the eighth race, Danikova and Justin Irvine parlayed a pocket ride, behind early pacesetter Rocks Stormyd, into a $9,500 Mares Open Pace win by 4-1/2 lengths in 1:56.3. Cruisin Thru Time (Kody Massey) and Hired Luck (Tyler Miller) closed from well out of it early to finish second and third, respectively. For Danikova (Bettors Delight-Danika Hanover), the win was her 42nd career victory. Danikova is owned by John Turgliatto and trained by Gerald Malady.
Skip DeMull enjoyed a driving double on the rainy night.
Racing at The Ville resumes Saturday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. with an 11-race program. Northville Downs races every Friday and Saturday night through Nov. 25 with a 7 p.m. post time.
(With files from Northville Downs)