Our Blair off to a slow start at world champs but watch him go close on Jagger
By Barry Lichter • 14 August 2023
Champion Kiwi driver Blair Orange lies in eighth place after the first round of the world driving championship at Victoria Park, Wolvega in the Netherlands.
But after a slow start with two fourths, a 10th and a disqualification, Orange salvaged some prime points with a second in the fifth race, leading until the last stride on Orlando Vici four-year-old Jagger.
Blair Orange is trying to become New Zealand’s seventh world driving champion.Orange is still well in contention with 15 races to go in Germany and Belgium, sitting on 27 points just two behind three drivers on 29 points.
Australian Pete McMullen, who won the opening race and Canadian Doug McNair, winner of the third and fifth heats, are tied for first on 49 points.
Gelsentrabpark in Gelsenkirchen, Germany will host the second leg on Tuesday.
On Wednesday the series moves to Belgium for the third leg at Hippodrome de Wallonie in Mons.
After a one-day break the 2023 champion will be crowned on Friday after the final races at Trabrennbahn Mariendorf in Berlin.
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Ray’s comments
Wednesday at Auckland
Race 5: Prince Lincoln
5.10pm
“I can’t believe he’s not picked in four (on the HRNZ website). He actually headed Cyclone Rebel last start but switched off. We’ve added sliding blinds which seem to have helped in training and he’s got to be a good each-way chance. He just needs a bit of luck from six on the gate.”
Race 5: Johnny Lincoln
5.10pm
“He’ll need some luck from the outside but hopefully he can still get a cheque. He doesn’t have as much speed as Prince Lincoln.”
Race 7: Spiritual Bliss
6pm
“I think she’ll be able to handle the rise in class. She’s a pretty good mare who keeps finding when the pressure goes on. It won’t be easy but she has a good draw and has already run a mile in 1:55.3.”
Race 7: Debbie Lincoln
6pm
“It’s hard to know how she compares with Spiritual Bliss but I think they’re both chances. Debbie Lincoln is still the fastest three-year-old to win over 1700 metres around Alexandra Park and she was excellent again when just pipped by Tyson last time.”
Race 12: Tyson
8.38pm
“The rise in class won’t stop him. If they go a bit harder, he can still run a 56 half off a solid pace. He’s improving all the time, more than I thought he would. He could easily win again.”
Race 12: Leo Lincoln
8.38pm
“We threw him in the deep end first-up when he really needed another trial. That race will bring him on a bit but I think he’ll need another before we see him at his best.”
