Northville Downs hosted three $20,000 Great Lake Stakes that were featured on Saturday (Sept. 30) evening at the Northville, Michigan oval in addition to the $9,500 Open Pace.
In race four, Elians Lightning (Southwind Elian – Show Me the Light) captured the two-year-old filly trotting division of the Great Lake Stakes over Sunsetacres Girl and Smashinclassy, who were second and third, respectively. Elians Lightning is owned in partnership by Tim Roach and Willa Rousseau, and is trained and driven by Tim Roach. The team were patient early on, but went first-over at the half, clearing the early leader past the three-quarters to draw off to win by more than four lengths in 2:04.3. The filly's young career saw her earnings climb to $89,645 as it was her eighth win.
In race five, a race marred by multiple breakers, Smashingoodmatch (Smashed – Agoodmatch) and driver David Lake minded their manners the best to get up for the win in the two-year-old colt trot division of the Great Lake Stakes in 2:03.4, winning by 11-1/2 lengths. Js Rocky was second and Nordicsfinallegacy was fifth but placed up to third following a lengthy inquiry due to the breaking horses in the stretch. Smashingoodmatch is owned by Ted Boschma and trained by Kent Hess. He now totes earnings of $77,733 lifetime with his eighth career tally.
In race six, Krystals Jewel (Monsieur Claude – Krystals Affair) made a quarter-pole move to the lead and never looked back to take the three-year-old filly trotting division of the Great Lake Stakes in a time of 2:01.4 by two lengths over Miss Sparty Mar, who was second, and Psalmsfortysixfive in third. Krystals Jewel is owned and trained by Samuel Eicher, bred in Michigan by Matthew Bontrager and was driven to victory by Don Harmon. Krystals Jewel now has lifetime earnings of $125,685 with eight career victories.
In the Open Pace, race 11, Diesel Accelerator (Big Bad John – So Very Nice) and trainer/driver Kody Massey parlayed a second-over trip into the pacer's third win in a row at The Ville and his second consecutive Open win, taking the mile in 1:54.3 for his 33rd career win. Admiral Adam and Lindsay Moen closed strongly for second and Lying In Cash was third.
Driver Kody Massey had a driving hat trick and David Lake a driving double.
Northville Downs resumes racing on Friday, Oct. 6 with a first post time of 7 p.m. Friday is dollar night at The Ville with $1 pop, live programs and popcorn, $2 hot dogs and beer and hamburger and cheeseburger specials. Northville Downs races every Friday and Saturday night through Nov. 25 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 Downs)