RB and owner/driver/trainer Kim Pluta captured the $14,400 Open Handicap Pace featured on the Friday night, Jan. 19 program at Northville Downs.
Commander Bob rocketed up to take over the early lead from his outside position with driver Marc St. Louis Jr. as RB left alertly for a pocket ride. They went to the opening quarter in :28.4 and a half in :58.2 as favourite Another Daily Copy went first-over looking to challenge for Drew Neill. But as the pacers moved to three-quarters, the top pair sprinted away from the field by three lengths, tripping the beam in 1:26.2. Turning into the stretch, RB pounced from the pocket and prevailed, getting the nod in the photo finish over Commander Bob in 1:55.4, which was Northville's fastest mile of the night.
The victory was the 18th lifetime for RB, a five-year-old Megatron-Getoutthediamonds gelding. He paid $7.20 to win.
Pluta, Justin Irvine and Kody Massey had driving doubles on the night.
Racing resumes at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 26, which is dollar night at The Ville with $1 live programs, $1 pop, $1 popcorn, $2 hot dogs and beer and hamburger and cheeseburger specials.
(With files from Northville Downs)