Todd McCarthy enjoyed a good night at Bunbury
A SUCCESSFUL night at Bunbury has seen Todd McCarthy catapulted into second position on the Australasian Young Drivers' Championship table.
Situated towards the bottom of the tally after the opening round at Gloucester Park, the New South Wales representative captured the first of the evening's heats before finishing third in the other.
McCarthy's victory came with Fanci A Dance, which overcame the back line to account for The White Wolf, which was partnered by New Zealander Kyle Marshall.
Major Spoilt, driven by Victorian Jason Lee, was third.
McCarthy's win moved saw him claim the top stop from first night leader and defending champion Robbie Close.
"That was a pretty solid run," McCarthy said. "He felt like a nice horse and really showed me some fight to find the line well.
"Bunbury is a great track and wonderful surface. I am enjoying driving on the different tracks and meeting some really nice people."
McCarthy's reign at the top was short lived as Close annexed the second heat to regain the front runners role.
Taking the reins behind Major Stare, Close completed an easy win from fellow Kiwi Matt Anderson driving Sir Tosti Mach. McCarthy was third with The Real Nadal.
Both heat winners are trained by prominent horseman Barry Howlett.
"So far it's all going well," Close said. "I've had a bit of luck early and hopefully that can continue throughout the balance of the series.
"We've got the day off tomorrow and will be attending the Inter Dominion barrier draw, so it will be nice to enjoy a little extra time away from competition with all the drivers in the series."
Australasian Young Drivers' Championship Points Table
Robbie Close (NZ) 36
Todd McCarthy (NSW) 29
Jason Lee (VIC) 24
Matt Anderson (NZ) 20
Jayson Finnis (SA) 18
Nathan Dawson (QLD) 17
Kyle Marshall (NZ) 16
Stuart McDonald (WA) 14
Brad Williamson (NZ) 14
Wade Rattray (TAS) 10
