Life Guard hero in Am Nat

Life Guard On Duty came charging down the Balmoral Park stretch to rush past leaders My Boy David and Jereme's Jet to win the $272,000 American National for 3-year-old colt pacers in 1:48.4 Saturday night. Driven by Sam Widger, Life Guard On Duty set a stakes and track record with his effort.

Early give and take for the lead led to Thisbigdogwillfight (Brent Holland) taking the field to a :26.1 quarter, but then driver Dave Magee had Jereme's Jet up and moving to the lead. As soon as Jereme's Jet cleared to the top he had to face an fast-moving My Boy David (Andy Miller), who was followed by Life Guard On Duty. My Boy David then led to a :53 half and 1:20.2 three-quarters.

Down the stretch My Boy David moved off the pylons, allowing Magee room to slip up the inside. As those two battled they suddenly had company with Life Guard On Duty, who threw out the life preservers as he flew past for the victory. My Boy David held for second over Jereme's Jet.

Todd La Fountaine trains the winning son of Jenna's Beach Boy for owners William and Sheryl Tuleja of Fennville, Mich. Winless last year as a freshman in 11 starts, Life Guard On Duty has now won four times in seven starts in 2006.

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