TWO wins from the last three heats has seen New Zealander Kyle Marshall overcome a slow beginning to be a major contender in the Australasian Young Drivers’ Championship.
Sitting towards the bottom of the table after the first two rounds, Marshall has been catapulted into second position thanks to his victory in the seventh heat, which was conducted at Northam just moments ago.
Marshall partnered rising star Rich Yankee, which was having his third run from a 17-month spell.
“He is a very nice horse which is doing well on the comeback after injury a suspensory,” Marshall said. “He was still pretty green and wanted to run off the track, as it is his home track, but he felt like a very good horse which can go far.”
Marshall has led a Kiwi domination during the past two days, which has resulted in Robbie Close travelling in third spot, with Matt Anderson fourth.
Breaking his series maiden in the sixth heat when combining with promising filly Sarah Goody, Queenslander Nathan Dawson has moved to fifth position.
But it is New South Wales representative Todd McCarthy who is the one to beat as he heads the tally thanks to some ultra-consistent performances.
Along with his win in the second heat, McCarthy has two seconds and a third to his credit as he aims to shake off a NSW hoodoo.
Since Peter Morris captured the inaugural AYDC’s for New South Wales in 1976, the state’s only other winner is Trevor Munday, who was successful in 2004, giving NSW the least members on the honour roll!
Australasian Young Drivers’ Championship Points Table:
Todd McCarthy (NSW) 65
Kyle Marshall (NZ) 60
Robbie Close (NZ) 57
Matt Anderson (NZ) 55
Nathan Dawson (QLD) 54
Brad Williamson (NZ) 43
Jayson Finnis (SA) 40
Jason Lee (VIC) 35
Stuart McDonald (WA) 27
Wade Rattray (TAS) 26
