“Rock” rolls, “Swan” flies at Northville

A pair of Opens shared the Friday (Jun. 30) harness racing spotlight at Northville Downs as five-year-old pacing mare Uniquerock (Rockin Amadeus – Unique Boutique) with driver Kody Massey and seven-year-old trotting gelding Travlin Swan (Swan For All– Kandys Kid) and driver/trainer Art McIlmurray won their respective divisions.

In the Mares Open, Eyes Don’t Lie and driver Winter Asher-Stalbaum left for the lead from their pole position, blazing fractions in 26.4, 55.3, and 1:25.0 to three-quarters while pocket-sitter Uniquerock looked on from second while a parked out Princess Rougarou and Lindsay Moen pressed the pace most of the way. But as they turned for home, the top pair opened up on the field and as the dust settled, Uniquerock blasted up the inside passing lane to get up for the victory by a half-length in 1:55.2. Eyes Don’t Lie settled for second, while Coqui Coqui closed well for third.

Uniquerock is owned by Lases Racing and is trained by Paul Cloer, Jr. It was the 13th career victory and the win pushed her career earnings to $83,567.

In the Open Trot, Travlin Swan went coast-to-coast in the easiest of victories in a time of 1:58.2 for his 20th career victory which pushed his lifetime earnings to $147,317. Youcouldbethatgirl closed well for second in the race while Stoneborough rode the pocket to a third place finish to complete the trifecta.

Travlin Swan is owned by Staci Malady and was bred in Michigan by Gus Korbakis.

On the night, Kody Massey snagged three driving wins which brings his career total driving wins to 1599. Art McIlmurray and Marc St. Louis, Jr. each had driving doubles. Trainers Art McIlmurray and Danielle St. Louis each had training doubles and for St. Louis, the wins brought her career training win total to 498, just two shy of the 500 win mark.

Racing at The Ville resumes Saturday, July 1, 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.

For complete race results, click here.

by Ken Terpenning, for Northville Downs