The 22-year-old was yesterday announced as Tasmania's representative in the series which will be held at the same time as the Inter-Dominion at Menangle next month.

If he can win against the best young drivers from other Australian states and New Zealand, he will match Barrie (1982), Gareth (2003, 2010) and James (2005) in taking the title.

It is the second year running that Rattray has represented Tasmania as he took part in the 2012 series in Perth. He is a multiple winner of the Tasmanian Youngbloods Series and was Tasmania's leading junior driver for three seasons.

Rattray was first licensed as a 16-year-old and his major wins have been the $30,000 Tasbred finals with Ashkalini (2009) and Palmisano (2012). He works full time for Riverside trainer Chester Bullock.

Tasracing chief executive Eliot Forbes said the harness racing program was very supportive of young drivers with two dedicated young driver series and a specific young drivers race every month.

``As a result of this ongoing commitment, our Tasmanian talent is nurtured early and has resulted in four out of the last 10 national winners coming from our state,'' Forbes said.

Rattray said he was honoured to again be selected and was looking forward to the opportunity to add to the family record.

``There are many people who have assisted me in harness racing but I particularly want to thank my family and Chester Bullock,'' Rattray said.

The series will start in Goulburn on February 25 followed by Menangle on February 26, Bathurst on February 27 and Penrith on February 28.

?futag?rl- TERRY MORRIS