Contenders for NZ Juniors' champs decided

After 18 weeks of harness racing competition, the 12 contenders for the 2011 NZ Junior Driver Championship have been decided. Qualifying for the third consecutive year, but the first as a 'North Islander', is Mitchell Kerr. Although no wins during qualifying, Kerr finished one point ahead of first-time starter and the only female contender, Kelly Blakemore. Shane Butcher will also be starting in his first Championship, while Zac Butcher will begin in his third. He won the Championship in 2009 over Joshua Dickie, who finished second again last year. Rounding out the North Island team is Auckland TC's Assistant Racing Manager, David Branch.

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