NEW ZEALANDERS shared the spotlight during today’s Australasian Young Drivers’ Championship heats at Pinjarra.
With two heats of the tournament conducted, Matt Anderson and Kyle Marshall led the way with wins, while Brad Williamson managed a pair of placings.
Partnering the short-priced favourite Im Rockaria, Anderson settled the son of Rocknroll Hanover in the breeze before striding to the front.
Breaking clear of the pack during the latter stages, Im Rockaria accounted for Ive Got It All driven by New South Wales representative Todd Mcarthy, with Williamson third behind Art Lover.
“He is a very nice horse, which won a Group One last season, so I was lucky to pick up the drive,” Anderson said. “It seems like today’s race was part of a learning process for him and he will get even better as he gains experience.”
With Anderson donating his driving fees to the Ronald McDonald House, trainer Michael Brennan was happy to emulate the gesture with his winning percentage.
“It’s an issue which is obviously close to Michael’s heart and he said he will donate his winnings, which is fantastic,” Anderson said.
Marshall then took command when guiding Sir Slick from the second row to score from C C Chevron, which was driven by Queensland’s Nathan Dawson. Williamson held the reins behind All The Torque.
“I spoke to Brett (Smith, trainer) before the race and he said he’d only had the horse for a little over a month, but he had been working well,” Marshall said. “The back line draw worked in his favour as the hot tempo suited him.
“In the end he did it easily and should win a few more for Brett going on that run.”
Marshall is no stranger to winning races in Australia, having spent a stint with Victorian-based horseman Brent Lilley.
“When I worked for Brent I got 37 wins in Melbourne, but this is my first in Perth,” Marshall explained.
Australasian Young Drivers’ Championship Point Table:
Robbie Close (NZ) 49
Todd McCarthy (NSW) 47
Matt Anderson (NZ) 40
Kyle Marshall (NZ) 38
Nathan Dawson (QLD) 36
Brad Williamson (NZ) 32
Jason Lee (VIC) 3 (9) 30
Jayson Finnis (SA) 24
Stuart McDonald (WA) 18
Wade Rattray (TAS) 16
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