Gabe The Babe and driver Drew Neill got the first gate call and the last, taking the featured $9,500 Open 1 Handicap Pace on Saturday night (July 1) at Northville Downs.
The pair left hard for the early lead and cleared midway through the first turn when Oh K Man took over to the backstretch, giving Gabe The Babe the pocket ride. They stayed that way until the stretch when Gabe The Babe passed Oh K Man down the lane and opened up to win by four widening lengths in a final clocking of 1:54.3. Oh K Man settled for second and Magic Shark finished third.
The win was career victory No. 33 for Gabe The Babe, who is bred, owned and trained in Michigan by Oscar Sievert.
The $8,500 Open 2 Handicap was captured in front-stepping style by Northville newcomer Last Bet and Marc St. Louis Jr. for trainer Danielle St. Louis and owner Stacie Currie in 1:55.3. For trainer Danielle St. Louis, it was her career training win number 499, just one shy of the 500 mark.
The $7,500 Open 3 was won by 13-year-old Dusto in 1:56.2, also in front-stepping fashion, which was his 56th win in his 412th start. Dusto is owned and trained by Craig Wolfe and was driven by Jason Merriman.
Marc St. Louis Jr. had a driving triple on the night while Jason Merriman and Justin Irvine both had driving doubles. Gerald Malady and Mark Headworth had training doubles.
Racing at The Ville resumes Friday, July 7 at 7 p.m. (EDT). Friday night is dollar night featuring $1 live programs, $1 pop and popcorn, $2 hot dogs and beer and hamburger and cheeseburger specials.
(With files from Northville Downs)