Max Hills lands two big drives in Southern Surge finals

By Jonny Turner 

Trainers needed a man with skill ahead of Sunday's Southern Surge Finals, so they called Max Hill.

The junior driver will link up with two of the most impressive winners of heats of the series when it culminates with eight $25,000 finals at Winton.

Hill has landed the drive behind Rakmacknra for trainer Nathan Williamson, who will link up with his other maiden heat winner in Off The Canvas.

The popular reinsman will then use his junior claim to jump behind Penelope Lane for trainer Brad Williamson.

Both horses are set to be warmly supported after their very impressive Southern Surge heat wins.

The opportunity to combine with two strong chances on Sunday's significant raceday is one Hill plans to take with both hands.

"It is a big deal for a junior down here to be able to drive two nice horses like this," Hill said.

"I am rapt that the owners of both of them have given me the opportunity."

"Really, neither of them could have been any more impressive in their last wins."

Penelope Lane sat parked throughout before powering to an impressive victory in the opening round of the Southern Surge.

She did so without trialling prior, meaning she should strip significantly fitter on Sunday.

"It was a pretty classy win fresh up and she will only be fitter for that run."

"She looks to have a really nice motor there."

"The second row draw (10) looks decent enough, she should be better off there than being wide on the front row."

"Brad has put me on quite a few horses and it would be great if I could get this one home for him."

Hill hasn't driven Rakmacknra at the races but he knows the horse well through his work at Nathan Williamson's barn.

Like Penelope Lane, the three-year-old sat parked before clearing out for an impressive victory in the opening heats of the Southern Surge.

"When I first went to Nathan's he was a horse I drove a lot in work."

"He is a lovely horse and has a great attitude."

"From a nice draw (2) he has got to be a great chance."

Hill is the undoubted sporting star of the junior driving ranks in Southland, with his Terry Wright-like flair on the wing helping Wyndham to a third straight Southland division one rugby title last month.

Wyndham coach Jimmy Sinclair is among the owners of Rakmacknra through the Dreams Are Free Syndicate, which races the pacer with Brendan Fahy.

A win in Sunday's feature might be enough for Hill to spend less time on the bench next season.