National Debt Decisive In 30th Win
![20180320NationalDebt.jpg](/sites/default/files/styles/headline_image_1024_x_577/public/20180320NationalDebt.jpg?itok=DiETDSie)
An assertive dispatch from National Debt ($2.80) put him in prime position to capture Tuesday’s (March 20) co-featured $11,500 Preferred 2 Pace at The Raceway at Western Fair District, and he lived up to the billing after dismissing Don McWhite up the far side and drawing clear decisively in the home straight.
Louis-Philippe Roy was resolute on achieving the early lead with the seven-year-old Allamerican Native entire, as the pair protected inside position on the first turn to force Jake Loewen (Bruce Richardson) into the pocket. After controlling sensible early splits of :28.3 and :58.1, National Debt faced a stern first-over challenge from Don McWhite (J Harris), who advanced to within half a length of the lead with five-sixteenths to go. National Debt countered immediately and accelerated to a :28.2 third quarter before sprinting off at will upon cornering for home. The Colin Johnson trainee recorded his 30th career win in 1:54.4, keeping 2-1/4 lengths of clearance over the stand-side rally of Rebel Voyager (Scott Coulter). Jake Loewen was a one-paced third from the pocket.
François Morin owns National Debt, who won for the third time in eight appearances this year. For Roy, the featured win was one of four on the 10-race card.
In the co-featured $10,500 Preferred 2 for distaff pacers, Bourbon Seelster ($3.20) used similar tactics, seizing command from her outside post at race’s outset and wiring her five rivals in a strong 1:55 mile. Ryan Holliday drove the five-year-old Camluck mare to an uncontested triumph, the 15th of her career, for trainer Robert Manders and owners Scott and Keith Manders.
Pinky Tuscadero (Mike Horner) rode the pocket every step of the journey to take second, 2-1/2 lengths back, while Selling The Dream (Bruce Richardson) was a ground-saving third.
To view Tuesday’s harness racing results, click the following link: Tuesday Results – The Raceway at Western Fair District.