Young Drivers Championship set for thrilling finale

The 1Equine Australasian Young Drivers Championships (AYDC) is turning into a nail-biter on racing’s biggest day.

The 10th and final heat will be held as part of Go Media New Zealand Trotting Cup day at Addington tomorrow with Kiwi hope Wilson House having a narrow lead over his Australian rivals following four more heats at Ashburton yesterday.

The AYDC will be decided in Race 2 on the sport’s biggest day with House on 75 points, Jett Turnbull on 72 and Jordan Leedham on 68.

At Ashburton House had a second (Style Council) and a third (Holly Highlander) to go to the overall lead.

Turnbull, from New South Wales, won with Sheila Laxon which helped him into second place overall while the other heat winners were Crystal Hackett (Okiwi Bay), Jason Kittel (Rena) and Carter Dalgety (Heaven Forbid).

“I knew my drives (at Ashburton) were competitive without being standouts,” said House.

House’s hopes in the Championship finale rest with My Wingman ($18) with Jett Turnbull looking like a serious threat. He will drive Dave Duley ($8.50), who’s drawn the ace while Leedham also looks a good chance with the in-form Ward Lamon ($4.80). The odds-on favourite for the race is Captains Secret ($1.70).

“I’ve drawn a bit wide (8),” said House, “and won’t be part of the early burn which may be a good thing.”

“He’s not the worst horse and has Addington form so hopefully…”

The standings going into the final heat tomorrow are : 

Wilson House (New Zealand) 75
Jett Turnbull (News South Wales) 72
Jordan Leedham (Victoria) 68
Layne Dwyer (Queensland) 58
Crystal Hackett (New Zealand) 57
Jordy Chibnall (Tasmania) 56
Carter Dalgety (New Zealand) 53
Abbey Vidovich (Western Australia) 49
Ryan Sanderson (Victoria) 48
Jason Kittel (South Australia) 47

To see the field for tomorrow’s Championship decider click here

 

From Harness Racing New Zealand