Illinois conceived and foaled two-year-old trotting colts grabbed top billing on Wednesday’s Balmoral Park card as a field of 10 youngsters battled in the $10,000 Psychic Spirit Stake.
Looking like a seasoned veteran, Mike Brink and Loren Tournear’s Tour Hall made his career debut a winning one, rallying from far back to post a one and a half length victory in 2:00.2 for driver Dave Magee.
Unhurried early on after leaving from post position eight, the gelded son of American Native and Broadway And Fifth was content to sit in seventh as the lead changed hands several times through splits of :31, 1:00.3 and 1:31.1.
Magee then moved the Mike Brink trainee to the outside mid-way around the final turn and the long-striding bay began picking off rivals as the field headed for home.
Finishing off his debut in style, Tour Hall trotted home in an impressive :28 with only minimal urging from Magee to open his career on a winning note. Bobby B Breeze (Mike Oosting) finished second while Gray N Cloudy (Kyle Wilfong) held on for the show dough.
Coupled in the wagering with Just Leo (eighth), Tour Hall returned $10.60, $5.40 and $2.40 to his backers.
(Balmoral Park)