Northville, MI — Artistic Cut and driver Jason Merriman rode the pocket to a 1:56.4 win in the featured $10,800 Mares Open on Friday (June 16) at Northville Downs.

When the wings of the gate folded, Cousin Margie and Lindsay Moen left for the lead but went off stride, which left Delightful Summer and driver Marc St. Louis Jr. inheriting the front as Artistic Cut looked on in the pocket through a :28.1 quarter. Coqui Coqui and Justin Irvine challenged Delightful Summer for the lead past the half in 57.3 and three-quarters in 1:26.2. As they turned for home, Delightful Summer succumbed to the pressure and Artistic Cut slid up the pegs to win by three-quarters of a length. Delightful Summer settled for second; Rocks Stormyd closed well for third.

Artistic Cut found a lane up the pegs to turn a pocket trip into victory in Friday’s Mares Open at Northville. Renae Parsons photo.

This was the 11th career victory for Artistic Cut, who is owned and trained by Techia Lohmann. The win pushed her career earnings to $82,804.

The night also yielded a plethora of driving doubles as Skip DeMull, Kim Pluta, Art McIlmurray and Drew Neill all had two winners each.

Racing at Northville resumes Saturday (June 17) at 7 p.m. Northville Downs hosts live racing 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.