Hart in the hot seat tonight

Star young reinsman Cameron Hart heads to Menangle tonight (Oct. 21) with a full book of harness racing drives on the 10-race program.

Fresh from scoring his 11th Group 1 success last weekend, winning the $200,000 Victoria Derby with Petracca at Melton, Hart is on track for another big night on his home track.

And top of the hit parade for Hart is undoubtedly one of his favourite pacers, My Ultimate Ronnie (Bettors Delight), who looks to have tonight’s second semi-final of the Breeders Challenge for four-year-olds at his mercy.

Perfectly-drawn in gate four, ‘Ronnie’ looks a safe bet to cruise through to tomorrow’s week’s rich final at the rare Sunday afternoon meeting at Club Menangle.

“I love Ronnie, he is one of my favourites for sure,” Hart told National Trotguide on-line’s Mike Ko’cass.

“He is certainly the class runner of this race and probably the series.

“He’s probably my best drive tonight.”

That in itself is a great pointer as Hart’s 10 drives all look chances on a star-studded night highlighted by the running of the $30,600 Kevin Robison Free-For-All.

Hart may have his work cut out winning that feature as his drive, Bubba Scrub is drawn the outside of the front line and has to contend with another budding superstar Ripp, who is chasing a hat-trick of wins.

He also takes on one of Australia’s best mares Braeview Kelly, who has the coveted one alley for an in-form Jack Trainor.

Hart’s great association with trainer Jarrod Alchin saw him choose to partner Janarty over the Jason Grimson-trained Ideal Dan in Race 1.

“Janarty won well last week with Will Rixon in the bike and seems to be getting better and better,” said Hart.

“Ideal Dan is first-up and might be the best horse in the race but doesn’t have a great draw and could take a couple of runs to find his best.”

Hart will be hoping for an improved performance from Major Celebrity in Race 2, the first semi-final of the Breeders Challenge for three-year-old ‘boys’.

Drawn in the middle of the front line, Major Celebrity will need his A game to account for Captains Knock, Waratah Lou, El Camino and Oliver Dan.

“He was a touch disappointing at Menangle last start after a really nice Penrith win,” said Hart.

“I think he’s a good frontrunner, so I’ll more than likely send him forward and try to find a spot.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW