Six-year-old pacing mare Coqui Coqui and four-year-old trotting gelding Saulsgood captured the co-featured Friday night Opens at Northville Downs.
Driver Justin Irvine had a grand slam on the card including his win with Coqui Coqui in the $9,500 Mares Open Pace in race eight. Coqui Coqui took an early pocket position to the quarter before popping out to take over the lead on her way to a 1-1/4-length victory over runner-up Delightful Summer and Marc St. Louis Jr. Shes Cruising Home and driver Drew Neill finished third.
The mile was timed in 1:55.2 and marked the 15th career win for the daughter of Sportswriter who is owned by John Turgliatto and trained by Gerald Malady.
In race nine, the $9,500 Open Trot, I Get It and driver Bob Rowland cut the mile and seemingly looked to steal fractions on the front going a :31 second quarter, but Jason Merriman and Saulsgood (pictured above) had something to say about it in the end as the pair blasted by the early leader to win by a quarter-length in 1:58.1. Youcouldbethatgirl and Kody Massey got up for third.
For Saulsgood, it was his 19th career victory. He is owned by E C S Racing and trained by Kevin St. Charles.
In addition to Irvine’s driving grand slam, other multiple win performances included Merriman and Charles Taylor with driving doubles and Gerald Malady with a training double.
Racing at The Ville resumes Saturday at 7 p.m.
(With files from Northville Downs)