Don’ttouchmytruck motors to win Open Pace

HASTINGS, Mich. — Don’ttouchmytruck (Racing Hill – Age of Consent) and driver Kody Massey paced the fastest mile of the meet so far at Northville Downs at Barry Expo Center, stopping the timer in 1:54.4 to capture the featured $14,000 Open Pace.

After a scramble for the early lead among Mother Mary, Haste Make Waste and Two Birds Onestone, the latter took command past the quarter in 28.2. Don’ttouchmytruck, leaving from post eight, advanced on the outside and challenged for the lead before taking command past the half in 56.4.

The top duo then raced to the three-quarters in 1:26.2. As they entered the stretch, Two Birds Onestone and driver Jennifer Main tipped out for the drive, but Don’ttouchmytruck had plenty left in the tank to fend off the late challenge and win by 1 ¼ lengths in 1:54.4. Two Birds Onestone finished second, with Mother Mary, driven by Joe Casagranda, third.

Don’ttouchmytruck is bred, owned and trained by Judy Roegner, who enjoyed a big week with four victories over the two-day period. Massey also had a strong showing, recording three wins on the day and seven victories overall during the two-day period.

Racing resumes at the Hastings, Michigan, oval on Tuesday, Sept. 22, with a 1 p.m. first-race post time.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

By Kenneth W. Terpenning for Northville Downs at Barry Expo Center