Gabe The Babe dominant at Northville

Gabe The Babe (Manhardt, Drew Neill) grabbed the first harness racing gate call and the last, taking the featured Open 1 Handicap Pace Saturday night (Jul. 1) at Northville Downs.

The pair left hard for the early lead and cleared midway through the first turn when Oh K Man and Marc St. Louis, Jr. took over to the backstretch giving Gabe the Babe the pocket ride. The pair stayed that way until the stretch when Gabe The Babe passed Oh K Man down the lane and opened up to win by four widening lengths in a final clocking of 1:54.3. Oh K Man settled for second and Magic Shark finished third. The win was career number 33 for Gabe the Babe who is bred, owned and trained in Michigan by Oscar Sievert.

The Open 2 Handicap was captured in front-running style by Northville newcomer Last Bet (Bettor’s Delight) and Marc St. Louis, Jr. for trainer Danielle St. Louis and owner Stacie Currie in 1:55.3. For trainer Danielle St. Louis, it was her career training win number 499, just one shy of the 500 mark.

The Open 3 was won by 13-year-old Dusto (Stand Forever) in 1:56.2, also in front-running fashion, which was his 56th career win in his 412th career start. Dusto is owned and trained by Craig Wolfe and was driven by Jason Merriman.

DUSTO REPLAY

Marc St. Louis, Jr had a driving triple on the night while Jason Merriman and Justin Irvine both had driving doubles. Trainers Gerald Malady and Mark Headworth had training doubles as well.

Racing at The Ville resumes Friday, July 7, 2023 at 7pm. 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 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.

For complete race results, click here.

by Ken Terpenning, for Northville Downs