Last Bet and driver Marc St. Louis Jr. captured the Northville Downs Saturday (Aug. 12) night feature, the $9,500 Open Pace, in 1:53.4 defeating Lying In Cash by one length.
Early leader Lying In Cash (Jason Merriman) set sail from post seven to clear to the top by the quarter pole in :27, passing early leaders Dusto (Lindsay Moen) and Coalfordbythesea (Justin Irvine). Magic Shark (Drew Neill) went first over, towing Western Drive (David Lake) and RJP (Kody Massey) second and third over, respectively, while Last Bet moved fourth over from last to join the fray past the half in :55.4. As they accelerated to three-quarters in 1:24.2, the outside cover flow began to tire and Last Bet stormed up on the far outside to get up for the impressive worst-to-first score. It was the second week in a row Last Bet made that move for the win. Lying In Cash settled for second while Dusto hung on for third.
The win was the 17th in Last Bet's career. The five-year-old Bettors Delight-West Of L A gelding is trained by Danielle St. Louis and owned by Stacey Currie.
Drivers Justin Irvine, Kody Massey and Drew Neill all had driving doubles on the night, while trainers Gerald Malady and Elizabeth Tolley had doubles on the card as well.
Racing at The Ville resumes Friday (Aug 18) 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.
(With files from Northville Downs)