Cousin Margie and driver Lindsay Moen turned the tables on Fancy Hill in capturing the $9,500 Open Pace for mares in 1:56.3 on Friday night (Nov. 3) at Northville Downs.
When the wings of the starting gate folded, Cousin Margie shot right to the lead and never looked back. She put up fractions of :28, :57, 1:26 and stopped the timer at the finish in 1:56.3, winning by a three-length margin over last week's winner Fancy Hill while Danikova got up for third.
The victory was the 20th lifetime for Cousin Margie, a five-year-old McArdle mare who is trained by Joe Stevens for owner Jessica Stevens.
Breeders' Cup weekend kicked off with exciting simulcasting action from Santa Anita. In addition to that and the live harness racing action on track, Northville Downs welcomed former Michigan Senator Curtis Hertel. Jr, who took to the microphone and announced the post parade for the night’s first race. He then took a ride in the starting gate Hummer for race two.
Driver/trainer David Lake had a hat trick on the night for owner David Beachy, with winners Rose Run Vincent, Some More Prince and Yjuliahos.
Racing at The Ville resumes on Saturday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. with a nine-race program.
(With files from Northville Downs)