The $9,500 Open Pace highlighted the program on Saturday, Nov. 11 at Northville Downs with Lyons Friends and driver Kody Massey going coast-to-coast to win by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:54.4.
Coalford Bythesea and Justin Irvine left hard for the early lead with Lyons Friends to an opening quarter in :27.4. As the early dust settled, Lyons Friends dictated the pace to a half in :57 while being pressed by a first-up Catch Me Conrad. As they swung to the backstretch, Freds Nightmare and Drew Neill flipped three-wide to three-quarters and challenged Lyons Friends past three-quarters in 1:25.2. As they turned for home, it appeared Freds Nightmare had gotten the better of Lyons Friends but the latter battled back to get up at the wire for his 24th career win. Freds Nightmare finished second and Coalford Bythesea was third.
Lyons Friends (Western Ideal - Artistic Vision) is trained by Elizabeth Tolley and owned by Elizabeth and David Tolley.
Kody Massey and Drew Neill had driving doubles and Todd Pappas had a training double as well on the evening.
Northville Downs resumes racing on Friday, Nov. 17 with a first post time of 7 p.m. Friday is dollar night at The Ville with $1 pop, live programs and popcorn, $2 hot dogs and beer and hamburger and cheeseburger specials.
(Northville Downs)