by Tom Kelley, publicity director, Balmoral Park

Crete, IL — After closing out his freshman campaign with a stakes victory here at Balmoral Park back in November, Tour Hall picked up right where he left off on Saturday night (April 19) as the talented youngster cruised to an easy 1-1/2 length triumph over three other sophomore trotting colts in the $10,000 Speedy Rodney Stake.

The final time was 1:59.3.

David Baum photo

Driver-trainer Mike Brink guided Tour Hall to an easy win in Saturday’s $10,000 Speedy Rodney Stake.

Given a confident steer by co-owner and trainer Mike Brink, the gelded son of American Native grabbed command right from the start, leading the field through leisurely splits of :29.3, 1:00 and 1:31.2.

With plenty still in reserve Tour Hall sprinted home in :28.1 while easily keeping his rivals at bay for his fifth career win in 14 starts. Bobby B Breeze (Todd Warren) parlayed a pocket sitting journey into a second place finish while Vin (Casey Leonard) was third.

With the win Tour Hall now boasts a career record of 5-3-1 in 14 starts, with earnings of $78,801 for Brink and co-owner Loren Tournear.

With the Easter holiday on Sunday, Balmoral Park will be “dark” for live racing.

However, Wednesday night action will return at the Crete oval on April 23 with a nine-race card getting underway at 7:10 p.m. (CDT).

There will be a $10,000 guaranteed pool on Wednesday’s Pick-4 which will entail races six through nine. Program pages will be available courtesy of Trackmaster and the USTA at www.ustrotting.com. Just click on the handicapping section of that website.

Also, the 50 cent Pick-5 wager will begin on the first race of the night on Wednesday.