Hart consolidates clear Premiership lead

Despite there being four months remaining for the 2023 harness racing season, it would take a brave person to predict that champion Sydney reinsman, Cameron Hart can be run down in the New South Wales Drivers’ Premiership.

Hart further consolidated his position on top of the table by landing the first three winners at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Saturday night to take his state tally to 146 winners, 37 clear of his nearest rival Josh Gallagher.

And while he would have been satisfied with his efforts at the premier track, Hart could very well be lamenting on what could have been after being narrowly beaten into second place in the three races following.

The 24-year-old, who has captured the past two season’s Premierships, combined with Jason Grimson to score aboard Bubba Scrub (He’s Watching) and Hi Manameisjeff (Art Major) before completing his hat-trick by taking out the Club Menangle Waratah Stakes Series Final with Riverina visitor Ellas Reason (For A Reason) for trainer Ellen Bartley who also owns the mare.

The daughter of For A Reason put the writing on the wall when an impressive winner in her qualifying heat at Wagga on August 25 and on Saturday night, Hart gave Ellas Reason an ideal trip in transit, racing off the speed before coming with a well-timed run to overpower the leaders in the run home.

Later in the night, Robert Morris equalled Hart’s performance when he too drove a winning treble on his home track.

His first winner came in the feature race, the Norms Daughter Stakes when Little Bliss scored a well-deserved win after she had been placed at her previous three Menangle outings.

Owned by Ron Littler and trained by Troy Williams, the mare has now won 15 races and more than $200,000 in stakes.

After beginning fast from the middle of the line, Morris took a trail behind the favourite Tay Tay and sat patiently until halfway down the lane when Little Bliss got home too well, grabbing victory right on the post to score by a half neck.

Robbie was able to make it a race-to-race double when Ryans Gangster lasted to win by a bare margin and then talented trotting mare Funky Monkey provided him with his treble in the final event.

For complete race results, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW