Hackett looks to seal AYDC qualification at Cambridge tonight

By Jordyn Bublitz

Crystal Hackett heads to Cambridge Raceway tonight with four drives on the card and one eye firmly on the end of the 1Equine Australasian Young Drivers Championship (AYDC) qualifying period.

Hackett currently holds a six-win advantage over Harrison Orange heading into the final stretch of qualifying, which wraps up on Sunday.

The AYDC will be held at four venues around the country with the finale being on Go Media New Zealand Trotting Cup day at Addington Raceway on Tuesday, November 10.  

The equation leaves Hackett in a strong position. Orange would need to win all six of his remaining drives this week to move past her, and that is only if Hackett fails to add another win to her tally.

While the numbers are certainly in her favour, Hackett isn't counting her chickens just yet.

“I’m confident but I’m definitely not cocky, because there is a possibility that he could do it, but it’s a long shot.”

She will have four opportunities to strengthen her position at Cambridge tonight, beginning with Under Arrest for trainer Rodney Dickson in Race 1, the Skyline Lounge Open All Race Nights Mobile Pace.

Drawn to get a favourable trip, Hackett expects the gelding to be right amongst the action.

“I think the draw definitely aids his chances, he’ll be looking to stay handy. In this field I think he’s a decent enough chance to be running into the top 3.”

Hackett rates her next drive, So Mystifying, as her best chance of the evening.

The talented but temperamental trotter lines up for local trainer Tim Hall in Race 2, the Hire a Venue at Cambridge Raceway Junior Drivers Mob Trot.

“I really rate her chances, I think she could go close. You’ve got to put a line through her last start, she didn’t get around at Auckland very well at all, but she’s been racing super for Timmy and her two starts prior at Cambridge were great.”

In Race 5, Hackett partners the Andrew and Lyn Neal-trained Claude, who she expects to strip fitter after his fresh-up appearance at the track last week.

“He just blew out last week, he was fresh up for quite some time and I think he’ll improve from that run.”

Her final assignment comes aboard Aldebaran D B for her parents, Michelle Wallis and Bernie Hackett, in Race 6, the Daily Double Trot.

There is little doubt in Hackett’s mind about the gelding’s ability, but manners remain the big question.

“If he trots he could go close, he has enough ability to round this field up with his eyes shut, but we’ve been having a few trotting issues with him. Hopefully mum and dad rectified the issue from last start. On ability he can win, but whether he trots is another story.”

With four drives ahead of her tonight, Hackett will be hoping to add another winner or two to the tally and put her AYDC spot firmly within her grasp.