Hart on target to eclipse his own record

NEW South Wales’ premier harness racing driver Cameron Hart continues a busy week at Penrith tonight, hoping he can add to his winning tally.

The champion reinsman landed a double at Bankstown on Monday afternoon and followed up with a treble at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Tuesday.

After capturing the past two state premierships and with more than six months remaining, Hart clearly leads this season’s title, to date notching up an impressive 110 winners, 30 clear of his nearest rival Will Rixon, who is also enjoying a stellar year.

Given his current numbers, Hart is on target to eclipse his 2022 score of 205 winners, 184 of which were in New South Wales.

Always humble, the former Junee horseman says it is just business as usual.

But there is no harder worker in the sport and his willingness to travel far and wide to race meetings to drive for a vast number of trainers is certainly paying off.

“It is always satisfying to drive winners no matter where it is or what class of race it is,” said Hart.

“I do from time to time keep an eye on how my numbers are tracking, but it is not something that consumes me.

“I am just very grateful for the opportunities that I am afforded.

“I do not take them for granted and always go out on the track focussed on doing the best job I can.

“Thankfully, those opportunities have enabled me to be at the top of the game and I feel very fortunate for that.” 

The solid workload continues for Hart at Penrith tonight where he has eight drives, most of whom have realistic winning chances.

Singling out his best, Hart suggested My Ultimate Carter was the one to beat in Race 4.

The Jarrod Alchin-trained pacer will start as a short-priced favourite from gate three and the three-year-old colt is coming off a last start fifth behind Smaltese at Tabcorp Park Menangle.

He meets a much easier field tonight and Hart should be able to lead from the draw and then dictate terms.

“It does look to be a suitable race for My Ultimate Carter,” said Hart.

“He impressed under similar conditions winning here last month and is a horse with talent that should ensure he’ll be hard to beat, with the right run.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW