Racing and Wagering Western Australia’s (RWWA) Invitational Drivers Challenge is set for an exciting conclusion at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
Just one win separates nine of the ten drivers with Tom Buchanan holding sway with a narrow lead at the head of the leader board.
Buchanan, who represented Western Australia at the 2015 Australasian Young Drivers Championship in New Zealand in May, gained maximum points when driving favourite Mynameskenney at Northam on Tuesday.
Buchanan, a dual winner of the RWWA Rising Stars Invitation Stakes in 2009 and 2012, will pin his faith in the final with last-start winner Awesome Desire, prepared by Ross Olivieri, who in an open race will start from gate five.
Hot on the heels of Buchanan, despite not registering a win in the lead-up heats, is Kristy Sheehy, who has run third placings with Algranco Under Fire for Gary Hall Snr and the Brad Lynn-trained White Eagle.
Sheehy, who commenced race driving in December 2010, partners Millwood Faith, one of two representatives from the powerful Greg and Skye Bond stable, from an awkward position in barrier seven.
Tim Tetrick, one of the world’s best reinsman and a representative of the USA at the World Driving Championship in Sydney earlier this year and local gun, Aiden De Campo, are tied in equal third position.
Tetrick, who has driven over 8500 career winners and amassed almost $200 million in stakes, showcased his exceptional skills when he guided Our Jerry Lee to a narrow neck win at Pinjarra on Monday.
Tetrick, affectionately known as the ‘bionic man’ has the task ahead of him to take out his first title on Australian soil when he partners Washington Express, placed second at her most recent start at Williams on Sunday.
De Campo will fancy his chances on the Kristian Hawkins-trained Just Jamie who comes into serious consideration from pole position. Stuart McDonald on Maggies Mystery and Kaiden Hayter aboard Am Opulent have top prospects
The winner of each heat received a $100 voucher to Garrards Horse and Hound with the overall champion to receive a $200 voucher and trophy.
The Slater Gartrell Sports RWWA Invitational Drivers Challenge Mares Pace (2130m), is race three of the programme, set to run at 7:03pm. Coverage on Sky Racing and Tabradio.
| Tom Buchanan | 20 |
| Kristy Sheehy | 18 |
| Tim Tetrick | 17 |
| Aiden De Campo | 17 |
| Stuart McDonald | 16 |
| Jack Trainor | 11 |
| Lauren Jones | 11 |
| Michael Ferguson | 09 |
| Dylan Egerton-Green | 06 |
| Kaiden Hayter | 04 |
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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