Donttouchmytruck captured the featured $19,718 Open Handicap Pace while completing a five-win day for driver Kody Massey on the eight-race card at Northville Downs at Barry Expo Center on Wednesday, Sept. 23.
The winning gelding went back-to-back in the Open and paced the fastest mile of the meet for the second consecutive week, stopping the timer in 1:54.1
Born Wild (Gerald Malady) left alertly from post position five but was immediately challenged by Two Birds Onestone (Jennifer Main), who opened up a quick lead. Two Birds Onestone reached the quarter in :27.4 and continued to lead through the half in :56.2, getting away by three lengths on the field. Donttouchmytruck, leaving from post seven, was initially stacked up behind dull cover but moved three wide at the half-mile mark. He advanced on the outside and settled into second as the field headed toward the backstretch.
Two Birds Onestone reached three-quarters in 1:25.1 up by two lengths, but Donttouchmytruck continued to close the gap from second. Entering the final turn, Massey pulled his charge alongside Two Birds Onestone, setting up a spirited duel into the stretch. Once straightened for home, Donttouchmytruck gradually wore down the pacesetter and pulled away to a 1-1/2-length victory. Two Birds Onestone finished second, with Born Wild third.
Donttouchmytruck is owned, trained and was bred by Judy Roegner. The six-year-old son of Racing Hill-Age of Consent is now 18-for-59 lifetime. He paid $3 to win.
Massey also won with Wake Zone ($2.60), Barley Mischievous ($4.20), Dandys World ($7.40) and Seven Hundred ($4.80). He further cemented his position atop the meet’s drivers' standings with just two race days remaining.
Roegner recorded two training victories on the card and continues to lead all trainers at the meet.
Racing resumes at the Hastings, Mich. oval on Tuesday, Sept. 29, with a 1 p.m. first-race post time.
(With files from Northville Downs)