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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Nathan’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 3: The Night Fox
6.20pm
“Harry said he’d have won for fun last time if he’d gone straight. We’ve put a pole on him, and he’s been a lot better, but from the inside of the second row on Friday night, over only 1700 metres, he’ll be looking for a bit of luck. if he gets half a run, he’ll be a good chance as he’s been training really well.”
Race 5: Leo Lincoln
7.19pm
“He needed the run first-up and will need a couple more. He’s a bit high up in the grades and needs to drop a few points and get his fitness up.”
Race 7: Johnny Lincoln
8.09pm
“We’ll tell Fergie to go out again and see where he ends up. He’s a tough little horse and it won’t hurt him to have a look. I know it’s a tough race but we’re very happy with him and he’s an each-way chance and our best of the night.”
