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g>Toronto, ON --- West Side Story, driven by Chris Christoforou, stormed home to win the C$43,000 final of the Don Mills Series on Saturday evening at Woodbine.

 

After capturing his division in the opening round of the series, the Per Henriksen trainee scored back-to-back wins and his fifth tally of the year.

 

Mego Moss (James MacDonald) was quickly marched to the front well before the opening quarter in a quick :26.4 with post time favorite Hldontghttoyurdrms (Jonathan Drury) sitting in the pocket.

 

As the talented trotters headed towards the half, Crosbys Clam Bake (Paul MacDonell) was still parked on the outside, but would cross over to the position of command before the half in :55.4.

 

West Side Story was on the outside in the backfield and was able to catch live cover as Hldontghttoyurdrms heading to the outside before three-quarters.

 

Crosbys Clam Bake opened up on his rivals at three-quarters in 1:24, but West Side Story angled off cover at the top of the stretch and used his patented closing kick to wear down Crosbys Clam Bake to win by 2-1/2 lengths. Hldontghttoyurdrms stayed for third.

 

Owned by Steve Organ and Asa Farm, West Side Story celebrated his biggest payday of his career as his bankroll now sits at C$140,157.

 

The 4-year-old son of Conway Hall enjoyed his 11th career tally and now has a 5-2-0 record from eight starts this season.

 

He paid $8.30 to win.

 

Henriksen confirmed that West Side Story and stablemate Frisky Magic will head to France to compete overseas.

 

Earlier on the card, the undefeated National Debt extended his win streak to seven as he cruised to victory in the lone C$20,000 division of The Diplomat Series.

 

Driven by Sylvain Filion, the heavily-favored son of Allamerican Native led from start-to-finish through panels of :27, :55.4 and 1:24.3, before coasting to victory in 1:52.2 Roget Mach Em (Jack Moiseyev) finished second, with Somewhere In L A (Steve Condren) third.

 

National Debt, who recently entered the Bob Young stable from previous trainer Ron Coyne, is owned by Kelly Hoerdt, Blair and Erna Corbeil and J and T Silva Stables LLC.

 

“That’s exactly what we wanted to see tonight,” Young said following the race. “He went to the lead, got a nice second quarter breather and brushed home strong. He looked well within himself at the wire and we couldn’t ask for more.”

 

The bay increased his bankroll to C$70,750, while returning $3 to his backers.

 

National Debt remains eligible to the $1 million Pepsi North America Cup scheduled for June 14 at Mohawk Racetrack.

 

The Diplomat series is for three-year-olds, who are non-winners of $100,000 in 2013.

 

The second $20,000 leg of the series will take place on Saturday, May 3, with the $50,000 (added) final on Saturday, May 10.