Opposite tactics take Northville features

Don’tcallmefrancis (Rocknroll Hanover – Nanny Withafanny) and harness racing driver Art McIlmurray wired the field to win the Open Pace for the boys in 1:55.2, while Hired Luck (Tellitlikeitis – Lady Luck Killean) and driver/trainer Tyler Miller came from worst to first to win the Mares Open Pace in 1:56.1, all Saturday (Sept. 9) at Northville Downs.

When the Brownlee Gate Cam starting gate pulled away from the field in the Open Pace (race 9), Coalfordbythesea with Justin Irvine, Rockin TJ (Kody Massey) and Don’tcallmefrancis all battled for the early lead.

Don’tcallmefrancis 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. Don’tcallmefrancis went by three-quarters in 1:25.2. As they entered the stretch, Lying In Cash kept coming but Don’tcallmefrancis 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 Don’tcallmefrancis who is owned by Rocky Wingfield and trained by Jason Seymour, who had a training triple on the night.

DON’TCALLMEFRANCIS REPLAY

In race eight, the Mares Open, Juxta Cowgirl (Art McIlmurray ) put up the first three-quarters on the board while on the lead (27.3, 57.0, 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.

HIRED LUCK REPLAY

Drivers Drew Neill and Justin Irvine had driving doubles on the night.

Racing at The Ville resumes Friday (Sept 15) at 7 p.m. Friday night is dollar night 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.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Ken Terpenning, for Northville Downs