Hi Manameisjeff too quick in $75,000 Sunshine Sprint

Noted speedster Hi Manameisjeff (Art Major) held his harness racing rivals at bay to win the Group 2 $75,000 Garrards Sunshine Sprint at Albion Park on Saturday evening.

Confidently supported into favourite H iManameisjeff was taken to the lead by Cameron Hart as expected from barrier four and held off a predicted early challenge from Wisper A Secret.

The star local hope The Janitor was sent around the field early on by Pete McMullen who seemed to content to race outside the leader.

Don Hugo commenced well from the second row but there was little he could do to improve his position from back in the field given the blistering pace set by the leaders.

HI MANAMEISJEFF NOV 29 REPLAY

Hi Manameisjeff and The Janitor cleared away along the back straight and left the others in their wake. Hi Manameisjeff looked home and hosed on straightening but The Janitor refused to give in and he made a game effort to rein in the leader but he failed by only a head with Aroda in third placing just in front of Don Hugo who finished ten metres from the winner.

Hi Manameisjeff rated 1.49.3 for the trip which puts the effort of Don Hugo in perspective and the time was the first occasion that the 1.50 had been broken in a Sunshine Sprint.

Hi Manameisjeff has had a chequered career and is now an eight year old but he is racing in the best form of his career for trainer Jason Grimson having only narrowly being beaten in the Victoria Cup in October. He’s only raced on 42 occasions for 23 wins and a fastest time of 1.48.4.

While taking nothing away from Hi Manameisjeff, it was a huge run by The Janitor who was forced to race outside the leader but continued to battle away.

All three placegetters are likely to meet again this Saturday night in the Group 1 $250,000 Blacks A Fake with the presence of Leap To Fame and facing a testing 2680 metre journey . The barrier draw is likely to be a key factor and even though Leap To Fame will be the testing material the Sunshine Sprint placegetters can be expected to figure prominently as they can all stay the distance.

Don Hugo who has now been placed at this last three appearances is ready to break through but whether he can match it with Leap To Fame is questionable.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink