Dontcallmefrancis and Art McIlmurray wired the field to win the Open Pace for the boys in 1:55.2 on Saturday (Sept. 9) evening at Northville Downs.
When the Brownlee Gate Cam starting gate pulled away from the field in the Open Pace, Coalfordbythesea with Justin Irvine, Rockin TJ (Kody Massey) and Dontcallmefrancis all battled for the early lead. Dontcallmefrancis had the inside advantage and held onto the lead while facing heavy pressure to the quarter in :26.3. Rockin TJ pressed on to the half as Don’tcallmefrancis went by the half in :55.1. Lying In Cash with Jason Merriman came second over and Catch Me Conrad and Lindsay Moen were third over. Down the backstretch, Rockin Tj bowed out of it sending Lying in Cash three wide to three-quarters. Dontcallmefrancis went by three-quarters in 1:25.2. As they entered the stretch, Lying In Cash kept coming but Dontcallmefrancis was tough and hung on for a three-quarter-length win over Lying In Cash who settled for second and Catch Me Conrad got up for third.
It was career win number 58 for Dontcallmefrancis (Rocknroll Hanover - Nanny Withafanny) who is owned by Rocky Wingfield and trained by Jason Seymour, who had a training triple on the night.
In race eight and the Mares Open, Hired Luck (Tellitlikeitis - Lady Luck Killean) and driver/trainer Tyler Miller came from worst to first to win in 1:56.1.
Juxta Cowgirl (Art McIlmurray) put up the first three-quarters on the board while on the lead in :27.3, :57 and 1:26.1. At three-quarters, Artistic Cut (Jason Merriman) stormed up to take over the lead turning for home, but that towed Hired Luck up from last to a striking position at the head of the stretch. Hired Luck proved a neck better than Artistic Cut to win for owner Greenhorn Racing, Danikova settled for third. It was the third Open win in a row at Northville Downs for Hired Luck who has 22 wins to her career after tonight.
Drivers Drew Neill and Justin Irvine had driving doubles on the night.
Racing at The Ville resumes Friday (Sept. 15) at 7 p.m. featuring $1 live programs, $1 pop and popcorn, $2 hot dogs and beer and hamburger and cheeseburger specials. Northville Downs races every Friday and Saturday night until Sept. 30 with a 7 p.m. post time. For live racing dining reservations, be sure to call Northville Downs in advance at 248.924.2073.
(With files from Northville)