Last Bet is first to the wire in Northville Open

Last Bet (Bettor’s Delight) and driver Marc St. Louis, Jr. closed like a freight train to get up for the win in the Saturday (July 8) night Northville Downs harness racing featured Open 1 Pace in 1:54 flat.

After an early scramble for the lead, Stars Align A (Kim Pluta), Gabe The Babe (Drew Neill) and Youmakemyheartsing (Art McIlmurray) left hard for the early lead to a quarter in :27.0. Gabe The Babe and Drew Neill took over past the quarter but was immediately pressured by Commander Bob and Kody Massey who cleared going to the half in :55.4.

Sweet Oliver made a first over bid down the backstretch to no avail, giving the covered trip to Last Bet who swept up to the leader Commander Bob in the stretch. In the end, Last Bet surged by to win by a neck at the finish as Commander Bob settled for second and Lying In Cash closed well for third.

Last Bet is owned by Stacey Currie and the win was career number 14 for the five-year-old gelded. The win marked trainer Danielle St. Louis’ 500th career training win as well.

LAST BET REPLAY

Driver Kody Massey had a grand slam on the night and Paul Cloer, Jr. and Jamie Noble had training doubles.

Racing at The Ville resumes Friday (July 14) 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.

by Ken Terpenning, for Northville Downs