Hastings, MI — Don’ttouchmytruck (Racing Hill-Age of Consent) and driver Kody Massey paced the fastest mile of the meet for the second consecutive week with a 1:54.1 win in Wednesday’s (Sept. 23) featured $14,000 Open Pace at Northville Downs at Barry Expo Center.
Born Wild (Gerald Malady) left alertly from post position 5 but was immediately challenged by Two Birds Onestone (Jennifer Main), who opened up a quick 3-length lead. Two Birds Onestone reached the quarter in :27.4 and continued to lead through the half, opening several lengths on the field while posting a half-mile time of :56.2.
Don’ttouchmytruck, leaving from post 7, was initially stacked up behind dull cover but moved three-wide around the cover at the half-mile mark. He advanced on the outside and settled into second as the field headed toward the backstretch.
Two Birds Onestone reached three-quarters in 1:25.1, but Don’ttouchmytruck continued to close the gap from second. Entering the final turn, Massey pulled alongside Two Birds Onestone, setting up a spirited duel into the stretch.
Once straightened for home, Don’ttouchmytruck gradually wore down the early leader and pulled away to a 1-1/4-length victory, pacing his final quarter in :28.3. Two Birds Onestone finished second with Born Wild third.
Don’ttouchmytruck is bred, owned and trained by Judy Roegner, who recorded two training victories on the card and continues to lead all trainers at the meet.
Massey recorded five driving victories on the day, further cementing his position atop the meet’s driver standings with just two race days remaining.
Racing at the Hastings oval resumes on Tuesday (Sept. 29) with a 1 p.m. first-race post time.