After having gotten off to a fast start in his first season on the track, Mike Brink and Loren Tournear’s Tour Hall looked like he was going to be the one to beat in the Illinois-conceived and foaled two-year-old colt trotting ranks.

Unfortunately, breaking problems plagued the gelding through late August and September. Trainer Mike Brink now appears to have the son of American Native—Broadway And Fifth back on course.

The long-striding youngster trotted to a two and a quarter-length victory in 1:59.2 while capturing Wednesday’s $10,000 Betzotic Stakes at Balmoral Park.

Taking advantage of a perfect two-hole trip that was worked out by Hall of Famer Dave Magee, Tour Hall saved ground throughout the mile as Nino Marino (driven by Dean Magee) put up splits of :29, :59.1 and 1:29.4.

After securing racing room in the lane, Tour Hall reeled in longshot Gottaluvaredhead (Casey Leonard) who had had overtaken a tiring Nino Marino at the top of the stretch.

Having drawn clear in the shadow of the wire for Magee, Tour Hall was on cruise control as he scored for the fourth time in 13 lifetime starts. Big Bad Bob (Dale Hiteman) rallied to be second while Gottaluvaredhead held on for third in the field of six. Morning-line favourite Photo Surprise was scratched ‘sick’ prior to the start of the event.

Wednesday’s $1 Pick 4 wager was not hit, so there will be a carryover of $19,006 for Saturday’s big American National card.

Balmoral Park has announced there will now be a $100,000 guaranteed pool for Saturday’s Pick 4 which entails Races 10-13, adding even more excitement to what will be one of this season’s biggest nights of racing anywhere in the country.

(Balmoral)