This coming Friday night (Sept. 8), Northville Downs will host Michigan Sire Stakes finals with purses totalling $707,100.
The card includes four non-wagering finals for the four pacing divisions, starting at 5:10 p.m. (EDT), then the pari-mutuel program begins at 7 p.m. and includes 11 races, of which races three through six include the four trotting divisions of the Michigan Sire Stakes finals.
Each division for Michigan sired two- and three-year-old trotters and pacers looks to be very competitive and, as in years past, multiple track records will be in jeopardy at the Northville, Michigan oval that is celebrating its 79th year of operation since opening in September 1944.
Three-year-old pacing gelding Twobirdsonestone (Black Daniels – She B Jeebeez) highlights the pacing divisions program as he looks to remain undefeated on the year as he is currently six-for-six in 2023. His division is the fourth of the four non-wagering events. The gelding is conditioned by 71-year-old trainer Carl Putnam Jr., who also owns and drives the pacer. Twobirdsonestone went 12-for-13 in his 2022 campaign with his only loss being a second-place finish in his final start of the year. Twobirdsonestone totes a stunning resume so far in his young career with 19 starts, 18 wins and one second, earnings of $180,296 and a lifetime mark of 1:56.4 over the Northville Downs oval.
In addition to the eight Sire Stakes finals, race nine is the $9,500 Open Trot that includes nine competitors whose lifetime purse earnings over $2.1 million. Three current Northville Downs track record holders are included in the field: Saulsgood (2, g, t, 2:01.1), Rose Run Xander (4, g, t, 1:57) and Swan Leader (fastest dead heat on the trot, 2:00).
Saturday night's (Sept. 9) schedule features a 10-race program that includes the $9,500 Mares Open Pace that was carried over from Friday night due to the Sire Stakes finals, and the $9,500 Open Pace for the boys.
In addition to the stellar racing programmed for Friday, the ever-popular ‘dollar night’ at The Ville is on-tap, as per usual, with $1 popcorn, live race programs, pop and win bets, as well as $2 hot dogs, beer and hamburger and cheeseburger specials are being offered to fans in attendance on-track. Racing will be contested every Friday and Saturday night through and including Sept. 30. First race post time will be 7 p.m. each race night throughout the meet. For live racing dining reservations, call Northville Downs in advance at 248-924-2073.
(With files from Northville Downs)