A pair of top condition races shared the Friday spotlight at Northville Downs with six-year-old pacing mare Princess Rockette, driven by Lindsay Moen, and eight-year-old trotting mare Youcouldbethatgirl, driven by Kody Massey, winning their respective assignments.
In the co-featured event for mares (race six), current Northville aged pacing mares track record holder Princess Rockette overcame early interference by breaker I Choose You to clear to the front past the quarter in :27.4. Rocks Stormyd and Drew Neill took the pocket ride while Princess Rougarou and Justin Irvine challenged to a half in :57.1 and three-quarters in 1:25.4. When they turned for home, Rocks Stormyd took the inside route while Princess Rougarou challenged outside, but Princess Rockette proved too good to hold off the late challengers to win by a half-length in 1:55.3. Princess Rockette (Pet Rock-Hammers Princess) earned her 29th career win. She was bred and is trained by George Hensley Jr., who co-owns with Ronald Simons.
In race eight, the co-featured top trot was taken by pocket-sitter Youcouldbethatgirl for trainer Paul Cloer Jr. and owner Lases Racing by a widening 3-3-/4 lengths in 1:57.1 over early leader Stoneborough and driver Bart Stimer, with Mystical Lane and John Moody finishing third. It was the 18th career win for Youcouldbethatgirl (Credit Winner-Coulantine).
On the night, Kody Massey and Drew Neill had driving doubles.
Racing at The Ville resumes on Saturday at 7 p.m.
(With files from Northville Downs)