The race is on for NSW young drivers title

With three months still to go, the battle for the state’s premier young harness racing driver has never been keener.

Just five wins currently separate Menangle Park-based pair Josh Gallagher (117) and Will Rixon (113) while last season’s titleholder Jack Callaghan, despite having earned more prizemoney than them, is relegated to third.

All three 22-year-olds are in career-best form.

And each share the attributes to succeed with their hard work ethic and commitment, evident by the time they spend traveling around the state to take drives.

At tonight’s Newcastle meeting, Gallagher has the chance to extend his slender lead over Rixon, having five strong drives, while Rixon has just two.

The Newcastle circuit has been a happy hunting ground for Gallagher who, in the past 12 months, has bagged an impressive 66 winners and last week, for the second time this month, landed a double at the track.

“I am having a lot of success up there this year, for sure,” said Gallagher.

“Having a lot of good support from so many owners and trainers in the Hunter area has definitely helped my cause, for which I am so grateful.”

When assessing his drives tonight it appears likely that Gallagher will figure prominently, evidenced by their standing in the pre-post TAB markets.

The Elizabeth Heath-trained Fear Cruisin in Race 5 appears to be his best winning chance.

Last start at Tabcorp Park Menangle, the entire never got into the race and despite finishing eighth was not disgraced.

But it was his run the previous week that impressed as he went close to eclipsing Mach Dan’s track record at Newcastle when he rated 1:50.9 and defeated a quality field.

“He is a very fast horse that loves to lead and bowl along,” said Gallagher.

“I was able to fire him off the arm that night and he charged along at breakneck speed and gave the track record a real shake.

“I am not 100 per cent sure how I will drive him tonight after drawing so wide, but Lizzie will no doubt have a plan and whatever pans out I feel confident that he will be thereabouts.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW