After 15 of the 20 heats, Canada’s former world champion James MacDonald has 130 points, just nine ahead of Australian Gary Hall junior (121).
Mats Djuse (Sweden) is third on 111, while New Zealander Blair Orange is well within striking distance on 107 (23 behind MacDonald).
The big moment for the Dutch team was his victory with Always A Menace in the first of the five heats of the evening. Not only did it continue his rise up the rankings, but it was also his 3000th victory in New Zealand, a victory made all the more special when he wore the Silver Fern and turned out at his home track in front of family and friends.
Besides MacDonald (Waihemo Hannah) and Orange, the other three heat winners were Pierre Vercruysse (France) with One Eye Bandit, Djuse (Mr Cash Man) and American Brett Beckwith who romped to a big win with Look To Da Stars.
The WDC now heads to Winton for four more heats, before the final heat at Addington as part of the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup day on Tuesday.
The points ranking (after 5 heats) is:
James MacDonald (Canada) 130
Gary Hall junior (Australia) 121
Mats Djuse (Sweden) 111
Blair Orange (New Zealand) 107
Michael Nimczyk (Germany) 91
Pierre Vercurysse (France) 91
Giampaolo Minnucci (Italy) 83
Jaap van Rijn (Netherlands) 83
Brett Beckwith (USA) 80
Santtu Raitala (Finland) 74
For full race results, click here.
By means of Dave Di SommaHarness News Desk
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