House leads Kiwi chase as Leedham takes control

Victorian representative Jordan Leedham has a handy lead heading into the second half of the Australasian Young Drivers Championship (AYDC) at Ashburton on Sunday.

After Friday night’s racing at Alexandra Park Leedham sits on 55 points, with an 11 point buffer on big Kiwi hope Wilson House, second on 44.

There are now five of 10 heats left, with Ashburton looming as “moving day” with four more heats before the final heat on Go Media New Zealand Trotting Cup day at Addington.

It was very much the Leedham-House show at Alexandra Park last night.

Three heats were held with Leedham having one win (Mr Miki) and two seconds (Emily Bay and Life Less Ordinary) while House had a win (I’m True Enough) and a second (Hey Miki).

I’m True Enough’s upset win at 25-1 for trainer Tate Hopkins was the first Kiwi victory of the series so far.

Jett Turnbull was the night’s other heat winner with Amendment.

Leedham’s big night saw him go from fourth after the opening night at Cambridge on Wednesday to first overall. He is now a $2.20 favourite to win the championship  from Tasmania’s Jordan Chibnall ($3.20), Layne Dwyer ($4.50) and House at $5.

Leedham’s four drives at Ashburton on Sunday all look to be solid each-way chances, with Foveaux Gambler ($10.00FF), Loveyou To Da Skye ($6.50FF), Lily’s A Star ($21.00FF) and Berrettini ($6.50FF).

Wilson has a few handy drives too which could set up an intriguing finish. He’ll drive Changeforthebeta ($9.00FF), Holly Highlander ($6.50FF), Tallandfast ($21.00FF) and Style Council ($7.00FF).

Standings going into Sunday are :

Jordan Leedham (Victoria) 55
Wilson House (New Zealand) 44
Layne Dwyer (Queensland) 40
Jordy Chibnall (Tasmania) 36
Abbey Vidovich (Western Australia) 33
Jett Turnbull (New South Wales) 32
Jason Kittel (South Australia) 24
Carter Dalgety (New Zealand) 23
Crystal Hackett (New Zealand) 21
Ryan Sanderson (Victoria) 12

Race 1 of seven gets underway at 1.54pm.

To see the Ashburton fields click here

Note: FF (Fixed Field) odds can fluctuate, so check tab.co.nz for the latest information.