Northville, MI — The $9,500 Open Pace highlighted the Saturday (Oct. 28) night program at The Ville with Lyons Friends (Western Ideal – Artistic Vision) and driver Kody Massey upsetting the betting favorite Southwind Amazon in 1:55.1.

Lyons Friends upset the feature at Northville Downs on Friday night. Renae Parsons Photo.

Lyons Friends and Kody Massey left hard for the early lead as Coalfordbythesea and Justin Irvine left as well. The pair tripped the beam to the quarter in :26.3 as Coalford Bythesea crossed over and took the lead. They went to the half in :55.3 as favorite Southwind Amazon and Drew Neill came first up.

As the field went to the backstretch, Southwind Amazon cleared to the lead. Something went awry with Coalford Bythesea who slowed down abruptly and was forced to leave the course. That allowed Lyons Friends to slide off the pegs and take a shot at Southwind Amazon past three-quarters in 1:25.1.  Amazon gave little resistance and Lyons Friends squirted away by five lengths in the stretch and held off a hard-charging Catch Me Conrad to win by a length and a half. Catch Me Conrad was up for second. Southwind Amazon was third.

For Lyons Friends, it was the 23rd career win for the six-year-old gelding. He is owned by Elizabeth and David Tolley and trained by Elizabeth Tolley.

Driver Drew Neill had a driving hat trick on the night and Marc St Louis, Jr. had a driving double.

Northville Downs resumes racing on Friday (Nov. 3) with a first post time of 7 p.m. Friday is dollar night at The Ville with $1 pop, live programs and popcorn, $2 hot dogs and beer and hamburger and cheeseburger specials.

Northville Downs races every Friday and Saturday night through November 25 with a 7 p.m. post time.

For live racing dining reservations, be sure to call Northville Downs in advance at 248.924.2073.