Open Pace taken down by 12-1 longshot

The $9,500 Open Pace highlighted the Saturday night (Nov. 11) harness racing program at The Ville with Lyons Friends (Western Ideal – Artistic Vision) and driver Kody Massey going coast-to-coast to win by one and a quarter lengths in 1:54.4, upsetting the field at odds of 12-1.

Coalford Bythesea and Justin Irvine left hard for the early lead with Lyons Friends to an opening quarter in 27.4. As the early dust settled, Lyons Friends dictated the pace to a half in 57.0 while being pressed by a first-up Catch Me Conrad. As they swung to the backstretch, Fred’s Nightmare and Drew Neill flipped three wide to three-quarters and challenged Lyons Friends past three-quarters in 1:25.2.

As they turned for home it appeared Fred’s Nightmare had gotten the better of Lyons Friends, but the latter battled back to get up at the wire for his 24^th career win. Fred’s Nightmare finished second and Coalford Bythesea was third.

Lyons Friends is trained by Elizabeth Tolley and owned by Elizabeth and David Tolley. He paid $27.80 to win.

LYONS FRIENDS REPLAY

Drivers Kody Massey and Drew Neill had driving doubles and trainer Todd Pappas had a training double as well on the evening.

Northville Downs resumes racing on Friday (Nov 17) with a first post time of 7 p.m. Friday is dollar night at The Ville with $1 pop, live programs and popcorn, $2 hot dogs and beer and hamburger and cheeseburger specials.

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