TODD Rattray emerged from the second round of heats of the Bullock Consulting Youngbloods Challenge at Tattersall’s Park in Hobart on Sunday night with an almost unbeatable lead in the six-heat series.
Rattray won the first two heats at Devonport last week to earn maximum points and after finishing midfield in the third heat (first) on Sunday night he partnered outsider Under Theboardwalk ($24) to victory to take his points tally to 40 and 10 clear of his nearest rival with only two heats remaining.
Rattray won the series in 2009 and was leading after two rounds last year only to fall victim to illness that kept him out of the cart for over three months.
He has been in top form this season and ranks as one of the state’s most accomplished novice driver along with teenager Alex Ashwood who became the youngest novice reinsman to outdrive his claim of 30 winners.
Another talented young driver Nicholas Brockman earned maximum Youngblood points when he guided Luke Thomas ($11.20) to stirring win in the first heat on Sunday night.
Brockman sent his charge forward early and steadied to allow Luke Thomas to face the breeze outside of Vicolos Girl.
On the home turn Brockman called on Luke Thomas to sprint and he sped clear and then after being headed he fought back to defeat Levina Leis with Arkabe Jewel a closing third.
Brockman is in equal fourth position after four heats and needs to finish in either first or second in the remaining heats to be any chance of taking the title.
Rattray leads from Mark Yole (30) and Alex Ashwood (28).
Youngblood Challenge points standings after four heats.
40 – Todd Rattray.
30 – Mark Yole.
28 – Alex Ashwood.
27 – Nicholas Brockman, Brendan Gebel, Justin Howlett.
22 – James Johnson.
20 – Braden Howlett, Ben Rossendell.
19 – Braydon Withers.