In front of a fan-filled grandstand, Rose Run Vincent and driver/trainer David Lake captured the $29,189 Open Trot featured on Friday’s (Feb. 2) program at Northville Downs.
My Uncle Cuz (Don Harmon) and Travlin Swan (Art McIlmurray) fired to the front and battled past the quarter in :28.2 while Rose Run Vincent snagged a pocket ride for Lake. Travlin Swan eventually cleared which meant Rose Run Vincent was shuffled to third as the field reached the half in :58.2. As they reached three-quarters in 1:28.2, Celebrity Pegasus (Kim Pluta) and Cruzen Cassi (Drew Neill) ranged up in the outer flow, applying pressure to the leader. As the field turned for home, Rose Run Vincent slid off the pylons to a three-wide position as the early leaders tired. Lake pushed his charged through the stacked field to get up in time at the wire for the 1:59.1 win by a quarter-length over a fast-closing Mystical Lane (John Moody), who took the inland route for place, with Cruzen Cassi settling for third.
Rose Run Vincent (And Away We Go-Real Housewife), who is now two-for-two to start his seven-year-old season, collected his 22nd career victory. The seven-year-old gelding is owned by David Beachy, who had a double on the night. Lake had a driving hat trick and a training double.
In addition to Lake’s big night, Marc St. Louis Jr. had a grand slam to lead all drivers. Becky Zubkoff had a hat trick to lead all trainers on the night while Roger Bertera and Mike Hamlin had training doubles on the 12-race program.
Racing at The Ville resumes on Saturday, Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. with an 11-race program on the docket.
(With files from Northville Downs)