by Brett Boyd

Michigan’s annual night of champions was highlighted by upsets and photo finishes.

The 3-year-old pace ended the star studded evening of Michigan’s best with Howyadoinpal and driver Darrell Wright holding off longshot Blackbird Singing in 154.1. The victory was the sixth of the year for the Bill Webb trained son of Keystone Raider. Wright was especially happy for owner Mel and Geraldine Weis. The victory cemented their first Michigan champion after three decades of racing in the Great Lakes state.

“It’s great for the Weis family. They had a chance to sell this colt but they wanted to hang onto him and wanted to own their first Michigan champion. Tonight they got what they wanted and deserved.”

The 3-year-old filly trot was just one of many upsets on the night.

Driver Kody Massey guided 15-1 shot Ripn Annie to victory for owner and trainer Ken Ott. “We talked about putting her in here and I told Ken let’s give her a chance.” said Massey. “I told him I thought she could get a piece of it.”

The other two 3-year-old races were also won by longshots with Cadillac Kid and driver David Lake nosing out heavy favorite Keyodee Star and driver Henry Wilson in the 3-year-old trot and longshot Dcn TulipTime and driver John Moody circling the field in the 3-year-old filly pace.

Two year old winners were:

2yo colt trot – Specialty Training and driver Jason Merriman.

2yo filly – Media Darling and Carl Putnam. The daughter of Another Mile remains undefeated, a perfect 9 for 9.

2yo filly trot – Gracies Harmony and Brad Kramer for trainer Travis Alexander.

2yo colt pace – Show Topper and driver Kevin Wallis. Hall of famer Butch Dokey owns and trains.