By Col McNiff
After a solid start by Kirra-Lee Lane for Tasmania in Alice Springs last weekend, the National Apprentice Race Series heads to Hobart for round two on Sunday.
Lane scored seven points from her two rides to have Tasmania in second spot. Lauryn Bingley will represent Tassie on Sunday and has two strong rides in the two heats.
Bingley will ride Native Clan in heat one, a BM60 over 1430m and Street Diva in heat two, a 1200m BM60.
“It’s no secret I’ve had a bit of a dry patch,” Bingley said after kicking home Star Performer in Launceston on Friday night.
“Hopefully that’s kicked me off in the right direction, and I’ve drawn some nice horses for Sunday, so hopefully the team can get one up there.
“They both look to have strong chances; the barrier may be their undoing, but I’ve got a home track advantage, and I know the horses inside out, and hopefully we can have a good day.”
Other apprentices riding in the Hobart leg are Makisha Salter (Vic), Deborah Barton (NT), Maddie Mankelow (Qld), Casey Martinan (WA) and Issac Sit (SA).
Sit won both heats for South Australia at the corresponding meeting last year.
Following the heats in Hobart on Sunday, Jabez Johnstone will represent Tasmania at the rounds in Western Australia and Queensland, while Jackson Radley, who is now domiciled in Victoria, will ride for Tasmania in the final two rounds in Victoria and South Australia.
The apprentice heats highlight a small six-race card in Hobart. Matt Reid will be on track for Tasracing Live, where the first race is scheduled for 13:45.
The National Apprentice Race Series table after Round 1:
- Western Australia 8
- South Australia 8
- Tasmania 7
- Victoria 5
- Northern Territory 4
- Queensland 4
Points: First 7, second 4, third 3 and 1 for every other state competitor.
