Cousin Margie and driver Lindsay Moen went to the lead past the quarter and never looked back in capturing the $9,500 Open Pace for mares in 1:56.1 on Friday night (Nov. 24) at Northville Downs.
Cousin Margie was asked immediately off the gate to get to the front. Coqui Coqui and Justin Irvine battled with Cousin Margie to the quarter before yielding for the pocket ride as Cousin Margie cleared past the quarter in :28.1. As she led the field to the half in :57, Cousin Margie faced a challenge from even-money favourite Allboutthematerial and Art McIlmurray. Cousin Margie held Allboutthematerial at bay past three-quarters in 1:26.2 then cruised home to win by two lengths in 1:56.1. Allboutthematerial held second and Coqui Coqui was third.
The victory was the 21st of Cousin Margie’s career. The five-year-old McCardle mare, who has won eight of her 30 races this season, is trained by Joe Stevens for owner Jessica Stevens.
Marc St. Louis Jr. had a driving double on the night and Jerry Toska had a training double on the program.
Racing at The Ville resumes on Saturday, Nov. 25 for closing night of the 2023 season at 7 p.m. with a 12-race program on the docket.
(With files from Northville Downs)