Queensland teenager sets pace in young drivers showdown

Queenslander Layne Dwyer has firmed in favouritism to win the 1Equine Australasian Young Drivers Championship.

In last night’s two opening harness racing heats at Cambridge the 19-year-old took out the opener with the David and Clare McGowan-trained Memories and was then fifth with Franco Salah for Logan Hollis and Shane Robertson.

That gave him a first night haul of 23 points, five clear of South Australia’s Jason Kittel (18).

Kittel had the most contrasting fortunes. He was last in the opening heat before dominating the second heat with the Benjamin Butcher-trained Hearts N Aces.

The four-year-old led from the start and had to withstand some mid race pressure before clearing out to win by four lengths.

After night one fellow Australians Jordy Chibnall (17), Jordan Leedham (16) and Abbey Vidovich (14) round out the top five, with Carter Dalgety the top Kiwi on 12 points and in sixth place.

Last night Dalgety was eighth with Mode and then third with Messenger Buoy.

In the markets Dwyer is now at $2.60 to win the AYDC, with Dalgety second pick at $6.

The 10 drivers – seven from Australia and three from New Zealand – will now head to Alexandra Park tomorrow. For many that will see them experience a first – racing right handed.

The championship then heads to Ashburton on Sunday before the grand finale at Go Media New Zealand Trotting Cup day at Addington on Tuesday.

The points table : (after 2 heats) 

Layne Dwyer (Queensland) 23
Jason Kittel (South Australia) 18
Jordy Chibnall (Tasmania) 17
Jordan Leedham (Victoria) 16
Abbey Vidovich (Western Australia) 14
Carter Dalgety (NZ) 12
Wilson House (NZ) 11
Crystal Hackett (NZ) 7
Ryan Sanderson (Victoria) 7
Jett Turnbull (New South Wales) 7

To see more on the AYDC click here

 

From Harness Racing New Zealand