Northville, MI — Quality Closer (Marc St. Louis Jr.) staved off a fast-closing Lying In Cash (Jason Merriman) to take the $10,800 Open Pace at Northville Downs Saturday (Dec. 10) evening in 1:55.2.

Quality Cruiser went on to a big victory in the feature at Northville on Saturday Night. Renae Parsons Photo.

Eyes Don’t Lie (Winter Asher-Stallbaum), the lone mare in the field, took advantage of her pole position and blazed to the opening quarter in :27. Quality Closer drew alongside the leader and took over in the paddock turn. The 10-year-old gelding then put up the final three numbers in :56.1, 1:25.2, and stopped the timer in 1:55.2 to win by a head over a hard-hard-charging Lying In Cash, who had to change tactics tonight from his outside post and was the runner-up. Lyons Friends (Kody Massey) finished third.

This was the 50th career win for Quality Closer and his eighth on the season. His lifetime earnings went to $497,267 with tonight’s win as well. Mark Headworth trains Quality Closer and co-owns with Christopher Knecht.

St. Louis Jr. had a big night with four wins. Asher-Stalbaum, Merriman and Drew Neill each had two wins. Trainer Mark Headworth had three wins on the evening and Asher-Stalbaum had two training wins as well.

Northville Downs live racing resumes Friday (Dec. 16) at 7:30 p.m. Every live Friday racing program features dollar night with $1 live programs, $1 pop, $1 popcorn and $2 hot dogs. Next weekend (Dec 16 & 17) is closing weekend at Northville Downs for the 2022 meet.