Northville, MI — Cruzen Cassi and driver Drew Neill, sent off at 35-1, swept the field to win Friday’s (Dec. 16) $10,800 Open Trot at Northville Downs.

Getting away eighth in the nine-horse field, Cruzen Cassi followed fourth-over cover as early leaders Stoneborough, Empire Earl N, Major Al-Mar and I Get It shuffled around while battling for early command. The pacesetters set fractions of :28.2, :58.2 and 1:29.1 to the three-quarters, when Cruzen Cassi swept by them all in the middle of the track to stop the timer in 2:00.4, winning by 2-1/4 lengths. Last week’s Open winner Enchanted Mission was second, with Swan Leader finishing third.

The victory marked career win number 20 for the 7-year-old son of Cassis, whose earnings now total $270,513. Cruzen Cassi is owned and conditioned by Rebecca M. Zubkoff.

In the $10,800 Mares Open Pace, Princess Rougarou went coast-to-coast for owner-trainer Will Johnson and driver Marc St. Louis Jr. The team won easily by 1-3/4 lengths in 1:57 with Cousin Margie second and Skyway Rockatop finishing third.

The night’s driving leaders were Marc St. Louis Jr. and Lindsay Moen, each with three wins, while Drew Neill took down two of the night’s races. Trainers Paul Cloer Jr. and Rebecca Zubkoff each had two training wins on the night.

Saturday (Dec. 17) is closing night of the 2022 Northville meet. Driver Marc St. Louis Jr. secured the driving title Friday and cannot be caught. The leading trainer title is still up for grabs going into Saturday’s card, but it looks good for Paul Cloer Jr., who padded his lead to four wins Friday night over his closest competition.