Leeton reinsman Reece Maguire has a slender lead after the first two heats of the Young Harness Racing Club NSW Rising Stars.
The 22-year old comes from a strong harness racing family with his father Phil Maguire and grandfather Norm Diebert Sr both successful trainers in the Riverina.
Maguire finished third in heat one for Temora trainer Ray Walker on Ideal One behind Maitland driver Laura Spencer and Weliveinhope.
Defending champion Chris Geary split the pair driving the favourite Wabi Sabi into second position.
Heat two was taken out by the Shaun Snudden trained East Emperor with Maguire in the sulky.
Geary finished second again with Alabama Ace with Nathan Carroll finishing third on Mister Red Shoes.
The series heads to Bathurst tonight for a further three heats.
The final heat in the ten race competition will be conducted at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Sunday afternoon at the Pepper Tree Farm NSW Breeders Challenge day.
The leaderboard after two heats
Reece Maguire 26
Chris Geary 24
Laura Spencer 22
Nathan Carroll 14
Jack Trainor 13
Daniel Morgan 11
Ellen Bartley 9
Kristy Sheehy 7
Tom Ison 6
Madison Reynolds 4
Greg Hayes