Hi ManameisJeff blitzes his rivals in 1.49.5

Talented eight year old gelding Hi ManameisJeff (Art Major) turned in one of his best harness racing performances with devastating all the way win in the TinTin In America @Wingate Stud pace at Menangle on Saturday evening.

Drawn the outside of the front row Hi ManameisJeff was at one stage four wide before heading off noted speedster Ripp to take the lead. The first quarter was run in 25.9 seconds and driver Cameron Hart kept the pressure on the field. Stablemate Miki Pins was forced to race outside the leader but continued to give plenty of cheek while Ripp was under lock and key behind the leader.

Miki Pins tried hard but Hi ManameisJeff packed too many guns and he held on by just over a metre from the fast finishing Ripp with Miki Pins battling on for third.

Thanks to his last quarter of 27 seconds, Hi ManameisJeff recorded a sub 1.50 with a mile rate of 1.49.5.

HI MANAMEISJEFF SEP 27 REPLAY

HI MANAMEISJEFF SEP 27 REPLAY

The New Zealand bred gelding revels at the Menangle circuit with 13 wins from 14 appearances. He’s been relatively lightly raced with 22 wins and four placings from 38 appearances. His dam the Bettors Delight mare Honour Lady was unraced and has left two other progeny yet to make a race appearance.

Hi ManameisJeff started his career with Leeton trainer Rodney Coelli before transferring to Russell Jack with whom he won three races at Melton including the City of Melton Plate.

But he really come into his own when he transferred to Jason Grimson’s stable and since then he has won a stack at Free For All events including in the Group 2 Allied Express Sprint.

Now a more seasoned performer Hi ManameisJeff is a worthy second string to his illustrious stable mate Swayzee.

After the race driver Cameron Hart was exultant in his praise of Hi ManameisJeff.

“He was super. It was a great start tonight. To do that type of work early in 25.9 seconds and from the widest barrier I had to do a fair share to get to the top. He was strong.”

“Even up the straight I was driving him along but he always felt as if he had a bit more of a kick left with the plugs. We’re very happy where he’s at.”

“We’re hoping he stays happy and healthy. He’s had a fair bit of time on the sidelines throughout his career. He loves racing here at Menangle so I wouldn’t be shocked if he keeps poking along here.”

“If a big target comes up I’ll definitely be excited with that. We’ll see what happens.”

It was yet another memorable night for Hart. As well as winning another race with Grimson on Lieutenant Arden (Sweet Lou) he scored a double for long time friend Darren Binskin on the much improved Classic Mission (Vincent) and veteran pacer Terry (Terror To Love) which gave him four winners for the evening.

His recent winning streak has seen him open up a comfortable lead in both the State and Metropolitan Drivers Championships.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink