Coqui Coqui stars at Northville

Six-year-old pacing mare Coqui Coqui (Sportswriter, Justin Irvine) and four-year-old trotting gelding Saulsgood (Crescent Fashion, Jason Merriman) captured the co-featured Friday night (Jun. 23) harness racing Opens at Northville Downs.

Driver Justin Irvine had a driving grand slam on the card including his win with Coqui Coqui in the Mares Open Pace in race eight. Coqui Coqui took an early pocket position to the quarter before popping out and taking over the lead and never looking back to win by a length and a quarter over runner-up Delightful Summer and Marc St. Louis, Jr., Shes Cruising Home and driver Drew Neill finished third.

The mile was timed in 1:55.2 and marked the 15th career win for the daughter of Sportswriter who is owned by John Turgliatto and trained by Gerald Malady.

In race nine,  the Open Trot, I Get It and driver Bob Rowland cut the mile and seemingly looked to steal fractions on the front going a :31.0 second quarter, but Jason Merriman and Saulsgood had something to say about it in the end as the pair blasted by the early leader to win by a quarter-length in 1:58.1.

I Get It was second and Youcouldbethatgirl and Kody Massey got up for third.

For Saulsgood, it was his 19th career victory. He is owned by E C S Racing and trained by Kevin St. Charles.

In addition to Justin Irvine’s driving grand slam, drivers Charles Taylor and Jason Merriman had driving doubles and trainer Gerald Malady a training double.

Racing at The Ville resumes Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 7pm. Northville Downs races every Friday and Saturday night from now until September 30th  with a 7pm post time. For live racing dining reservations, be sure to call Northville Downs in advance at 248-924-2073.