"He's really just such a level-headed colt. He's really professional, he's a happy colt and easy on himself...he's fine in the paddock, fine when you jog him, fine when you train him. He's got such a great demeanour to him."
Undefeated pacing colt National Debt flew under the radar with four starts in Alberta in 2013, but the son of Allamerican Native established himself as a North America Cup contender earlier this year with his impressive back-to-back 1:50.3 miles at The Meadowlands.
At 18-1, National Debt comes in at #9 in Trot Magazine's 2014 Pepsi North America Cup Spring Book. Trot Insider touched base with the colt's trainer, Ron Coyne for an update.
Last time we talked, the plan was to start National Debt next in The Diplomat Series. Is that still the plan?
"Yeah, everything's on the track for The Diplomat."
Will he qualify before making that start?
"He's going to qualify probably the week before, and we'll probably get a schooling mile into him the week prior to that."
What races are planned between his starts in The Diplomat and the North America Cup eliminations?
"He's got the Somebeachsomewhere and goes right to the N.A. Cup from there."
Do you think you have advantages over the horses that have yet to start in 2014?
"That's a tough question, I really can't say that there are any advantages or disadvantages. Some of the colts that were put away last year are already established colts. His schedule just dictated that he got there earlier, and we tried him in the [Buddy Gilmour] Series and he showed the talent we were all hoping for. Now we'll try the big boys."
What has he done since his last start in the Gilmour?
"He had a week off, just some R&R, and he's had some jogging and light training. Last few weeks, his training has been intensified, prepping him for his schooling mile and qualifier."
What does his tentative schedule look like after the NA Cup?
"I believe he's coming back to the States and we're going to point him toward the Meadowlands Pace."