Jacob Duggan and Malcom Jones dead heated last year’s Claiming Novice Drivers series, and both drivers will be looking to win this year’s series, sponsored by BOTRA, in Hobart on Sunday night.
Initially, four heats were programmed, but with the excellent support of trainers and owners, one of the races was divided to extend the series to five.
Charlie Castles, Lachlan Dakin, Brodie Davis, Jacob Duggan, Andrew Freeman, Tiarna Ford, Malcom Jones, Jack Watson, Olivia Weidenbach, and Kayleb Williams are competing. While Jakob White is the emergency for the series.
Both Duggan and Jones say their randomly allocated drives have “even chances”.
“I think they all have even chances,” said Duggan.
“Shaun To The Max (heat two) has improved his last couple of starts, and I think the draw suits him. They have been driving him a bit tougher, and it seems to be working, so hopefully, we can get to the top or outside the leader,” said Duggan about the chances of the Juanita McKenzie-trained pacer.
“Ranieri (heat four) has good form, but he has a bit of a tricky draw,” the driver said of the gelding.
Jones will compete in four of the five heats and was keen on Sneaky Peak’s chances in heat five.
“I thought Sneaky Peak was my best. I thought he was the best horse in the race, but he will need a bit of luck early,” said Jones.
“The few drives I have had for Tammy (Langley) have all gone well, and hopefully, that will continue on Sunday.
“I don’t mind My Ultimate Jacko (heat two) as well,” added the driver.
The series winner will be determined using a points system as per Tasracing policy.
Points are 16 for a win, 12 for second, nine for third, seven for fourth, and then a reduction of one point for each subsequent placegetter down to one point for tenth. The driver will not receive any points if the horse does not complete the course. Drivers who miss out on a drive due to insufficient starters, or scratching if the emergency is unavailable, will be allocated six points.
The other highlight on the card is the $20,000 Cavalor Equicare Elite Free For All (1609m), where the recent Easter Cup quinella The Shallows and Star Major take on a quality field that includes Mickey Oh, who will appreciate coming back to mobile start conditions.
With the earlier start of 16:22, the first two races will be shown on Sky Racing 2, and the last eight races will be shown on Sky Racing 1.
All races will be streamed on TasracingTV.
