Catch Me Conrad streaked home to capture the featured $10,800 Open Pace Saturday night (Oct. 22) at Northville Downs.
Big Bang Boom took his usual spot on the lead with driver Marc St. Louis Jr. He tripped the beam to the opening quarter in a fast :26.4, a half in :56.4 and three-quarters in 1:25.3, but he could not hold off the closers Jets Sureshot and Catch Me Conrad. Those two sped by down the lane, with the latter getting up at the finish to win by a half of a length in 1:55.3 for driver Lindsay Moen (who had a driving double on the night), trainer-owner Greg Cook and breeder Michelle Cook.
The win marked the 11th on the season and 38th victory for Catch Me Conrad, a six-year-old Tellitlikeitis gelding who has turned into a real blessing for Greg Cook. Greg has been racing for 51 years. His wife Michelle, who is the listed breeder of Catch Me Conrad, passed away on Christmas Day 2020. "Conrad" is named after Michelle's Uncle Connie, who is a World War II veteran. Connie passed away a year ago. Greg and Michelle raised Conrad and he has blessed the family every time he steps on the racetrack.
Driver Justin Irvine had a driving triple on the night and trainers Karen Tkaczyk, Billy Farmer and Gerald Malady all had training doubles.
Northville Downs will race its next live program next Friday (Oct. 28). First-race post time remains 7:30 p.m. (EDT) each night and Northville Downs races each Friday and Saturday night through Dec. 17.
(Northville Downs)