Nothdurft puts Queensland in box seat

Victory for Queensland in the second leg of the National Apprentice Race Series (NARS) in Perth may have come as a surprise to some, but not for in-form apprentice Baylee Nothdurft.

The Toowoomba apprentice has now put Queensland in a commanding position in the five-leg series following his win aboard $45-pop Fearhildi at Ascot Racecourse. 

Nothdurft, 20, is in fine touch this season and was rewarded with a set of maroon breeches for the revamped series, which shines the spotlight on Australia’s rising stars.

Nothdurft said he was able to execute a pre-race plan that involved rolling forward off a slow tempo and trying to pinch the race at the bend.

“I thought’s that how the horse would race and when the instructions came from the trainer they were similar to how I had planned,” he said.

WINNER: RQ Senior Apprentice Coach Shane Scriven (left) with winning rider Baylee Nothdurft at Perth's Ascot Racecourse. PHOTO: SCOTT HAMILTON MEDIA

The win gave Nothdurft his 37^th win this season and put Queensland ahead on the leaderboard by six points heading into next week's third leg at Doomben.

“It’s a big thrill when I crossed the line it was all excitement,” Nothdurft said.

“It’s a wonderful initiative I think there should be more of it.

“Queensland’s well out in front now so hopefully we can go on with it and get the job done at Doomben.”

STATE PRIDE: NARS Representatives at Perth's Ascot Racecourse on Wednesday afternoon. Photo: Scott Hamilton Media. 

Nothdurft has recorded 17 metropolitan winners in Queensland this season, including three doubles, with thanks to support from trainers such as Tony Gollan, Kelly Schweida, Rob Heathcote and Tony Sears.

“I think I’ve got two winners left on my 3kg claim and then I’m down to 2kg,” he said.

“I’m really happy with the way things are going at the moment.”

NARS LEADERBOARD 

Lead image by Scott Hamilton Media.