While Mage may have taken the 149th Kentucky Derby, it was Oh K Man and driver Marc St. Louis, Jr. who scored in the Saturday night (May 6) $10,800 featured Open Handicap Pace at Northville Downs.
Oh K Man did battle with early leavers Liberal, Commander Bob and Lyons Friends to a quarter in :27. Oh K Man took over just before the quarter and faced immediate pressure from Lyons Friends and driver Kody Massey. The pair continued to battle to the half in :54.4. Oh K Man spurted away before passing the three-quarters in 1:23.3 when Commander Bob surged up with Jets Sureshot, but none could pass the leader and Oh K Man took home his 43rd victory of his career and stopped the clock in 1:53.3. The win pushed his career earnings to $264,447.
Oh K Man is owned by Julie Neil and trained by Danielle St. Louis.
Drivers Kim Pluta, Marc St. Louis Jr., and Jason Merriman all had driving doubles on the night and trainers Kim Pluta and Danielle St. Louis had doubles as well.
In addition to the Derby and the live races, the Michigan Harness Horseman's Association and the horsemen and women offered two-seat jog cart rides to fans who won Facebook contests throughout the week on the Northville Downs Facebook page as well as a Derby hat selfie contest for which a winner will be declared on Sunday evening.
Racing at The Ville resumes Friday, May 12 at 7 p.m. (EDT). Friday night is dollar night with $1 live programs, $1 pop, $1 popcorn, $2 hot dogs and beer, as well as hamburger and cheeseburger specials. Northville Downs races every Friday and Saturday night from now until Sept. 30 with a 7 p.m. (EDT) post time. For live racing dining reservations, call Northville Downs in advance at 248-924-2073.
(Northville Downs)