National Debt became the fastest two-year-old pacer in Alberta Downs history on Sunday afternoon in just his second start, defeating a field of more experienced rivals in 1:53.3.
The Allamerican Native colt is now undefeated in two starts for trainer/driver Kelly Hoerdt and co-owners Blair and Erna Corbeil of Beaumont, Alta.
National Debt sat gapped out in fifth for most of the mile in a $4,500 conditioned pace while favoured sophomore Bettor In The Bank carved out fractions of :27.4, :57 and 1:25.4 in search of his fifth straight win. But National Debt unleashed :26.4 final quarter speed to propel him into the top spot. His winning margin was more than three lengths. Bettor In The Bank settled for second and the pocket-sitting three-year-old Cabo Real finished third.
National Debt lowered the freshman track record by two-fifths of a second. The former mark was set by two-year-old pacing colt Wrangler Betonme in 2011.
Alberta-sired two-year-olds took the stage later on the card in three Alberta Shooting Star divisions, ranging in purses from $18,767 to $19,067, and another record was set.
Blue Eyed Cowboy ($6.40) established a new 1:54.4 track record for two-year-old pacing geldings as he overtook the pacesetting Pass The Port in deep stretch and held off Outlaw Last Chance by a head. The Brandons Cowboy gelding shaved four-fifths of a second off The Big Heist's former record. Bill Tainsh Jr. was the winning driver for trainer/owner Rod Starkewski of Lamont, Alta. The win was Blue Eyed Cowboy's first in ABSS action and second from six pari-mutuel starts.
The late sire Brandons Cowboy's legacy continues to live on as his offspring completed a sweep of the Shooting Star with other divisions going to J J J Stables' Comes Home First ($2.30), a 1:56.1 winner for driver Jim Marino and trainer Lance Ward, and the maiden-breaking Incognito Cowboy ($12.50), a 1:58.1 winner for trainer/driver Keith Clark, who also co-owns with Doris McDougall of Cochrane, Alta. and Calgary's Verne Rea and Laurence Swalm. Both posted win margins of more than six lengths. Comes Home First has now won all five of his pari-mutuel starts, including divisions in all three ABSS legs.
The Alberta-sired two-year-old pacing colts and geldings will wrap up their ABSS season in the Battle of Alberta Super Finals on Saturday, Nov. 2 at Northlands Park
In other action, Revolver ($6.90) and driver Brandon Campbell took the $8,500 top class in 1:53.1, scoring by nearly five lengths over favourite Cowboy Caper and Hoerdt. Glenn Lutz trains the six-year-old pacer, who notched his 20th career victory for the Estate of Harvey Poffenroth of Calgary.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Alberta Downs.