Drivers and trainers in hot contest

The race for the Albany Harness Racing Club trainer and driver premierships is heating up ahead of the final five meetings at Harold Reid Paceway, starting with tomorrow night’s nine-race card.

Only eight points separate leader Trent Wheeler and the fifth-placed Nathan Turvey in the driver’s premiership while just eight points separate first and third trainer.

All five drivers in contention are making the trip. Wheeler (44) has eight drives while the second-placed Corey Peterson (42) is in a plum spot to take the lead having a drive in every one of nine races.

Cody Wallrodt (41) will hope to improve on his six winners for the season across his seven engagements, while Emily Suvaljko (38) and Nathan Turvey (36) are also within striking distance and have eight and seven drives respectively.

Leading trainer Terry Ferguson will saddle up four runners to add to his eight winners for the season, currently sitting on top with 43.

Albany’s Charles Draper (36) has enjoyed a superb season and will also saddle up four horses while Albany Cup-winning trainer Barry Howlett (35) has two runners.

Trainer-driver Turvey, fifth in both contests, who currently sits in fifth spot of the trainers standing as well as the driver’s premiership and he will make the trek down with four horses.

The first race starts at 6.30pm tomorrow night.