Northville, MI — The Friday (July 28) spotlight at Northville Downs was on 6-year-old pacing mare Coqui Coqui, who captured the Mares Open Handicap Pace in 1:55.2 by a widening 2-3/4 lengths.

Art McIlmurray and Delightful Summer set sail for the early lead, but Justin Irvine and Coqui Coqui came bounding up to take over before the quarter pole and never looked back. In fact, the mare did it so easily that she drew off in the stretch under wraps. Delightful Summer had to settle for second; Artistic Cut and Jason Merriman closed for third.

Coqui Coqui rolled to a dominant 1:55.2 score in Friday’s Mares Open at Northville. Renae Parsons photo.

It was the 16th career victory for Coqui Coqui, who is owned by John Turgliatto and trained by Gerald Malady. The Sportswriter-Born Three mare’s 1:55.2 clocking equaled her season’s best.

Driver Drew Neill took the bookends on the card with a driving double.

Racing at Northville resumes Saturday (July 29) at 7 p.m. with a 10-race program that features the return of Northville’s track record holder and the third winningest Standardbred of all time, Southwind Amazon, in the Open Pace (race eight).

Northville Downs races every Friday and Saturday night through Sept. 30 with a 7 p.m. post time. For dining reservations during live racing, be sure to call Northville Downs in advance at 248.924.2073.