Northville, MI – A pair of Opens shared the Friday (July 14) spotlight at Northville Downs as 6-year-old pacing mare Delightful Summer (Quality Western – Midsummer Delight) with driver Marc St. Louis, Jr. and 6-year-old trotting gelding Holton (Dontyouforgetit – Mama’s Brokn Heart) and driver Justin Irvine won their respective divisions.

In race six, the co-featured top trot was taken by Holton who came four wide down the backstretch to get up for a quarter-length margin in a thrilling blanket finish to win for trainer Maurice Goldschmidt, Jr and owner Oldford Racing, LLC, in a final clocking of 1:57.1.

Holton prevailed over a fast-closing I Get It who finished second and Saulsgood who closed well for third. Early leaders Stoneborough and driver Bart Stimer and Swan Leader and driver Charles Taylor put up fast opening fractions of :27.1, :56.3 and 1:26 to three-quarters that ultimately led to their undoing in the back-half of the race.

The win marked the 15th time Holton has gotten to the winner’s circle.

In the co-featured event for mares (race eight), Delightful Summer utilized her inside post position to grab the early command. She then staved off challenges from a first-up Princess Rockette and a pocket-sitting Skyway Rockatop to hang on to a wire-to-wire score by a half-length in 1:55.1. Skyway Rockatop took second money and Shes Cruising Home closed well for third.

It was Delightful Summer’s 18th career win. She is owned by Crazy Parrot Farm, LLC and is trained by Danielle St. Louis.

On the night, David Lake and Drew Neill captured driving doubles.

Racing at The Ville resumes Saturday (July 15) at 7 p.m. Northville Downs races every Friday and Saturday night until Sept. 30 with a 7 p.m. post time. For live racing dining reservations, call Northville Downs in advance at 248.924.2073.