Cousin Margie stays strong on the front end

Cousin Margie (McArdle – Save My Tootsie) and harness racing driver Lindsay Moen went to the lead past the quarter and never looked back in capturing the $9,500 Open Pace for mares in 1:56.1 Friday night (Nov. 24) at Northville Downs.

Cousin Margie was asked immediately off the gate to get to the front. Coqui Coqui and Justin Irvine battled with Cousin Margie to the quarter before yielding for the pocket ride as Cousin Margie cleared past the quarter in 28.1.

As she led the field to the half in 57.0, Cousin Margie faced a challenge from race favorite Allboutthematerial and Art McIlmurray as they turned to the backstretch. Cousin Margie held Allboutthematerial at bay past three-quarters in 1:26.2 then cruised home to win by two lengths in 1:56.1. Allboutthematerial held second and Coqui Coqui third.

The victory was the 21st of Cousin Margie’s career who is trained by Joe Stevens for owner Jessica Stevens.

COUSIN MARGIE REPLAY

Marc St. Louis, Jr had a driving double on the night and Jerry Toska had a training double on the program.

Racing at The Ville resumes Saturday (Nov 25) for closing night of the 2023 season at 7 p.m. with a 12-race program on the docket. 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