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
Thusday night at Cambridge
Race 2: Im Not The Maid
5.49pm
“She’s been battling and this will be her last start before going to stud.”
Race 7: Dreams Of Eric
8.04pm
“I’ll leave the tactics up to Harry again. He’s done a good job with the horse. He wanted to take a sit last time so was quite happy when crossed by Rough And Ready, and Harry said he was still on the bit when he hit the line. There are a few nice ones in there, like Diamonds Are Forever, but I’m sure’ll go another good race.”
Nathan’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Tyson
5.56pm
“Maurice wanted to try something different last week and found a good run for him but he seems to go better if he can get to the parked position. He needs to run top four to get into Metro Final. He’s trained on well. ”
Race 7: Kevin Kline
8.54pm
“I don’t think the stand will worry him. He steps away pretty well and he never lets you down. I thought he did a great job to win last week given he was a couple of lengths off them at the 700. I know it’s a tough field but so was last week’s field. If everything goes right, he’s a top three chance.”
