Northville, MI — Gabe The Babe and driver Drew Neill grabbed the first gate call and the last, taking the featured Open 1 Handicap Pace Saturday night (July 1) at Northville Downs.
The pair left hard for the early lead and cleared midway through the first turn when Oh K Man and Marc St. Louis Jr. took over to the backstretch, giving Gabe the Babe a pocket ride. The pair stayed that way until the stretch, when Gabe The Babe passed Oh K Man down the lane and opened up to win by four widening lengths in 1:54.3. Oh K Man settled for second and Magic Shark finished third.
The win was career number 33 for Gabe the Babe, who was bred in Michigan by his owner-trainer, Oscar Sievert.
The Open 2 Handicap was captured in front-pacing style by Northville newcomer Last Bet and Marc St. Louis Jr. for trainer Danielle St. Louis and owner Stacie Currie in 1:55.3. For Danielle St. Louis, it was her 499th career training win.
The Open 3 was won by 13-year-old Dusto in 1:56.2, which was his 56th career win in his 412th career start. Dusto is owned and trained by Craig Wolfe and was driven by Jason Merriman.
Marc St. Louis Jr. had a driving triple on the night while Merriman and Justin Irvine both had driving doubles. Trainers Gerald Malady and Mark Headworth had training doubles, as well.
Racing at Northville resumes Friday (July 7) 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 from now 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.