Harness racing driver Jacob Duggan will represent the state at the Australasian Young Drivers Championship in New South Wales from Tuesday.
But before he departs, he will be out to add some winners to his name on the nine-race card in Hobart on Sunday evening.
Duggan has driven 96 career winners to his name.
He will take the reins aboard Gotta Lockheed for Victorian trainer Allan McDonough in the $14,000 Tasmanian Horse Transport Tasmanian Guineas (2090m).
Gotta Lockheed was rundown after leading by Out Of Eden in Launceston in 1:58.7s when resuming from a spell on 24 November before recording a dominant 24.4m win in 1:57.8s in Hobart on 29 November.
“My first drive on him in Launceston, he just didn’t have the turn of foot to go with Out Of Eden straight away, but last start when he won, he just kept them honest and bowled them along, and he did the job really well, and I was really happy with him,” Duggan said.
The Bettors Delight gelding has drawn barrier three in a race that sees many horses come through the recent Group 3 Globe Derby won by Custom Harley.
“It is jump up in class, but if he does bring his best foot forward, I think he is the one of the ones to beat, but it is an open race.
Duggan quickly responded with Major Celebrity in race seven when asked who his next best drive on the Hobart card was.
“I don’t think he has disappointed himself that much in a couple of starts since he has been here. The barrier isn’t ideal over the mile, but he looks one of my other better chances, that’s for sure,” said the driver.
Duggan flies to Sydney on Monday for the AYDC, where he will compete in heats at Menangle on Tuesday, Bathurst on Wednesday night, Penrith on Thursday night, and Newcastle on Friday night. The final heat is scheduled for Inter Dominion Grand Final night on Saturday.
Sunday’s Hobart card commences at 18:07 and will also feature the Cavalor Three Year Old Fillies Championship and the Toreace Flying Mile for the open class performers.
