The $9,500 Open Pace highlighted the Saturday (Nov. 18) night program at Northville Downs with Coalford Bythesea and driver Justin Irvine riding the pocket to win by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:55.1.
Coalford Bythesea and driver Justin Irvine left hard for the early lead with newcomer Game Of Change and Southwind Amazon to an opening quarter in :27.1. As the early dust settled, Southwind Amazon dictated the pace to a half in :56.2 while being pressed by a first-up Freds Nightmare. As they swung to the backstretch, Freds Nightmare took over the lead to three-quarters in 1:25 as Southwind Amazon faltered. Coalford Bythesea immediately popped from the pocket to tackle Freds Nightmare, taking over the lead and storming home to victory. Freds Nightmare finished second and Executive Dash N got up for third.
A career winner of a dozen races, Coalford Bythesea (Downbytheseaside-Stormy Novel) earned his 10th victory of the season after a winless 2022 campaing. The four-year-old gelding is owned and trained by Gerald Malady.
Lindsay Moen had a driving hat trick while Irvine, Jason Merriman and Art McIlmurray had driving doubles. Malady and McIlmurray had training doubles as well on the evening.
Northville Downs resumes racing on Friday, Nov. 24 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 closes out its 2023 race meet on Friday and Saturday night, Nov. 24 & 25 with a 7 p.m. post time. A retirement ceremony will be held on Saturday Nov. 25 for the 14-year-old horses that have raced at Northville Downs over the past few years.
(With files from Northville Downs)