Four heats of the BOTRA Novice Drivers Series headline Sunday night’s nine-race card in Hobart.
Kayleb Williams is one of the 10 drivers invited to compete in the series, and he hopes for more luck this year than he has had in the past.
“The closest I think I have run is third, I generally don’t have any luck in these sorts of series,” said Williams, who recently returned to the sulky after having a month off for a back-related issue.
“It’s always a good series to be a part of, there is a good group of young drivers, and it’s good to drive for trainers that you don’t usually drive for.
Given the number of Claiming Novice Drivers in Tasmania, those who had outdriven their claim were also included in this year’s series, as per Tasracing policy, with those who had recently outdriven their claim being selected.
Williams fits into that category, and after some concerns from him that driving opportunities may have dried up, he is delighted with the continued support he has received.
“I was a bit concerned that the drives would dry up once I lost my claim, but we have stayed ticking along, and I’m grateful for the opportunities that have been given to me.
Williams will drive in three of the four heats, rating the Bianca Heenan-trained Might And Temerity in Heat Four, a rating 56 to 63 event, as his best chance in the series.
“She is first up and has had a couple of trials back, and I thought she trialled up really well on Monday, running good times behind Smooth Reason.
“I’m not sure how they want me to drive her, but she has shown a good bit of gate speed in the past.”
In Heat One, a up to rating 49 event over 1609m, Williams will partner the Paul Hill-trained Millycent, who broke through for her maiden win last start.
“I think she was unlucky not to break her maiden earlier. She always runs an honest race, and from a good gate over the mile, she should settle handy enough.
The Hobart program also includes the $20,000 Woodlands Stud Your Genetic Edge Elite (1609m) for the open class pacers, with the first race set to commence at 16:44.
