Hart is a man in hot form

Life has never been better for leading young Sydney harness racing reinsman Cameron Hart.

Coming out of what was arguably his best year to date, Hart travelled throughout the country and New Zealand driving winners and being competitive in most of the biggest races in Australasia.

Hart has begun 2023 where he left off in 2022 and at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Tuesday afternoon, the 24-year-old brought up his 800th career win in the gig, quite a feat considering his relatively young age.

“It only seems like yesterday I had brought up my 700th winner,” said Hart, who grew up in Junee in the heart of the Riverina harness racing stronghold.

“These milestones are great and I am humbled by the opportunities given to me which obviously helps me achieve such success.

“I am so grateful to the people that have supported me along the way and there are too many to mention.”

Amid the exciting Sydney Carnival of Miracles, which this year is shaping as one of the best since its inception, Hart will be looking to add more winners to that tally when he lines up at Penrith tonight and then at Tabcorp Park Menangle this weekend.

On Saturday night, Hart has some important commitments, including taking the reins behind Braeview Kelly (Bettor’s Delight), one of the favourites for the Group 1 Pryde’s Easifeed Queen Elizabeth II Mile.

The mare has been a powerhouse since coming from New Zealand to link with trainer Jack Trainor midway through last year, winning eight of her 11 starts.

Since resuming from a spell in January, the five-year-old has won her past two on the bounce, including the Group 3 Sibelia Stakes on February 11, when she looked very sharp.

And although Braeview Kelly has drawn poorly in gate 11, Hart is confident the daughter of Bettors Delight still has what it takes to beat the quality field of mares she is up against.

“She is mighty talent this mare,” said Hart. 

“You only have to see what she has done since joining Jack’s stable to know that.”

“Saturday’s race is as strong as it gets, and we will need an element of luck from out where we have drawn.

“But still, I do think she is good enough to win.”

Hart has five drives at Penrith tonight, all rated some chance on an eight-race program.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW