Hart chasing his first Group 1 winner

TALENTED Sydney-based reinsman Cameron Hart will head to Tabcorp Park Menangle on Saturday night chasing his first Group 1 winner.

It is “Ladies night” at the state’s premier track where Hart will have five drives, three of which are in Group 1 races.

“I have had some good luck with barrier draws in all three features,” said Hart, who conceded that he would be facing some stiff opposition.

“Crunch Time has drawn perfectly in gate one for the $100,000 Schweppes Sprint with star pacer King Of Swing drawn right next to us in barrier two. 

“My bloke has brilliant gate speed so I will be able to ensure that I gain the trail behind the favourite, which is our best hope to qualify for the Miracle Mile.

“I have the drive on Rocknroll Angel in the Ladyship Mile and if the reserves come out, we will start from barrier four. 

“I rate her run to finish second in the Robin Dundee last week as probably the best run of any horse I have ever driven.

“She was caught three wide for the first half of the race before facing the breeze, only to be beaten by a half head – and they rated 1.50.3 for the mile.

“I should be able to gain a more economical run from the draw and if she can repeat that effort, she will be hard to beat.” 

Hart will drive Chrissy Chic in the $200,000 John Gibson Memorial NSW Oaks, a filly that won four on the bounce before running second in her qualifier.

“This filly has plenty of speed off the arm and we will look to try and pinch the Oaks from the front,” he said.

“I am really excited over my drives on Saturday night as feel I am driving horses that can win without surprising.”

Hart has five drives at Penrith tonight, his most favoured runner being King Corey in Race 6.

“I rate all of the horses that I am driving tonight as each-way hopes but feel that Napoli Nights (Race 1) is my best chance,” he said.

“From gate seven he follows out a fast beginner and should run home well while Panacias Seal (Race 2) has drawn wide but is racing well and should also be hard to beat.”

HRNSW MEDIA | MICHAEL DUMESNY