Overcoming the outside post at any track is quite the chore, but for National Debt it was a relatively easy task in Monday’s $12,700 Preferred 2 & 3 Handicap for horse and gelding pacers at The Raceway at Western Fair District.
National Debt got away next to last in the eight-horse affair, and he held that position until making a three-wide bid going to the three-quarter pole. All the while, it was Wind Blast in the role of pacesetter through fractions of :28.2, :58.4 and 1:27.4. Even with those sensible panels working for him, Wind Blast couldn’t fend off late pressure.
National Debut fired three-wide for driver Robert Shepherd on the way to the three-quarter pole, and he then used a :29 final frame to win by 1-1/4 lengths over The Loan Ranger in 1:57.3. Wind Blast weakened late and was forced to settle for third.
Colin Johnson trains the eight-year-old son of Allamerican Native-Our Inheritance for owner Francois Morin of Beauceville, QC. The veteran has posted five wins in his last six attempts, and that has helped bump his lifetime earnings to $465,730.
To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – The Raceway at Western Fair District.