Young driver chasing APG glory

JUST a week after breaking his metropolitan maiden, Victorian driver Ryan Duffy is looking to enjoy the thrill of Group One glory.

Obtaining his metropolitan driver’s licence just three weeks ago, the 22-year-old registered his initial city win at his second drive at Tabcorp Park Melton last weekend.

Trained by Keith Cotchin, Hes Okey Dokey caused an upset by scoring at $18.90 on the tote.

“I only got my metro licence earlier this month and to win with my second drive is great,” Duffy said. “It’s a big thrill to win in town and I can’t thank Keith enough for giving me the drive.”

Fast forward to Saturday night and Duffy – son of respected horseman, Steven – will partner Single Tree Road in the Australian Pacing Gold Final at Menangle.

Successful in her heat, which doubled as her debut, Single Tree Road has drawn barrier seven, but slots into six with the removal of the emergency.

The Michael Stanley-trained filly won her qualifier from gate six when driven by trainer Chris Alford.

“It’s pretty exciting to be driving in a Group One,” Duffy said. “It would be a dream result if she won.

“The draw makes it awkward for her against so many top fillies, but she has been working well and is in with a chance with the right run.”

Stanley also has Soho Nolita in the $328,000 feature, with the daughter of Mach Three facing a daunting task after drawing 11.

Soho Nolita, to be driven by Stanley, will begin from nine once the emergencies are taken out of the equation.

A gallant fourth in her heat after racing in the ‘death seat’, Soho Nolita then backed up a week later to capture her repechage.

“She goes along very well, but the draw has made life pretty difficult for her,” Stanley said. “Her run in the heat when she was a little wayward was full of merit, then she did it pretty easily in her repechage.

“Her work since has been spot on, as has Single Tree Road, but she’s going to need some luck from a wide draw over mile.”

Soho Nolita is owned by Robert Watson, who also races Soho Interceptor, which has drawn 10 for local trainer Craig Cross.

Winner of last month’s $100,000 Sales Classic at Gloucester Park when prepared by Glenn Elliott, Soho Interceptor was transferred to Cross for the APG series.

The daughter of Art Major gained her berth in the rich decider by claiming her heat in 1:55.9.