Veterans score in Northville Opens

Designer Specs (Full Count – Avalon Hall) and harness racing driver Skip DeMull captured the Open Trot, while Danikova (Bettor’s Delight – Danika Hanover) and driver Justin Irvine snagged the Mares Open Pace Friday (Oct. 13) night at Northville Downs.

Race seven featured the Open Trot and a field of eight classy trotters. The 1-9 favorite Herecomescharlie B was poised to win his second Open in a row at the Michigan oval while on the lead to the backstretch, but five-year-old mare Designer Specs proved that mares shouldn’t be counted out against the boys as she cruised by the heavy favorite off of the second over trip to draw off to win by four and a half lengths over Herecomescharlie B and Dan Venier, who settled for second, and Swan Leader got up for third. Designer Specs covered the mile in 1:57.4 and she notched her 30th career win. Jay Weller trains Designer Specs and she is owned by Louis and Jay Weller.

DESIGNER SPECS REPLAY

In the eighth race, Danikova and Justin Irvine parlayed a pocket ride, behind early pacesetter Rocks Stormyd, into a Mares Open Pace win by four and a half lengths in 1:56.3. Cruisin Thru Time (Kody Massey) and Hired Luck (Tyler Miller) closed from well out of it early to finish second and third respectively. For Danikova, the win was her 42nd career victory. Danikova is owned by John Turgliatto and trained by Gerald Malady.

DANIKOVA REPLAY

Driver Skip DeMull enjoyed a driving double on the rainy night.

Racing at The Ville resumes Saturday (Oct 14th) at 7 p.m. with an 11-race program starting at 7 p.m. Northville Downs races every Friday and Saturday night through November 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.

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

by Ken Terpenning, for Northville Downs