Hart the popular pick

Fresh from winning three of the four Breeders Challenge semi-finals for two-year-olds last weekend, Cameron Hart finds himself in demand at Menangle again on Tuesday.

Trainers are clamoring for the former Riverina reinsman’s services and there will be plenty of money to suggest another treble is on the cards at the meeting. Click here to view the fields.

Ace local trainer Jason Grimson has nabbed Hart for two plum chances late in the day, while he has also picked up drives for Russell Commens, Joe and Mary Rando, Alex Alchin and Leon Jurd.

His wins on the Jarrod Alchin-trained trio of My Ultimate Ronnie, My Ultimate Byron and Madrid on Saturday night were something special.

And Alchin has left it up to Hart to decide which of the ‘Ultimates’ he will pilot in Saturday week’s final.

Yet even before the barrier draws, it seems Hart has opted to stick with My Ultimate Byron in the $150,000 two-year-old colts’ final.

“I think Byron is probably just a step ahead of Ronnie, at this stage, and I think he can go quicker than he did on Saturday night,” said Hart.

“I can’t say there’s a lot between them but Byron is still my pick.

“Jarrod said I could make the call when I wanted, but at this stage I don’t think the barrier draws will come into it too much and I’ll most likely stick with Byron.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity just to get on a couple as handy as these. It’s a real thrill for me and hopefully I can get the job done on final night.”

Hart said he was surprised how easily My Ultimate Ronnie was able to run down and beat a classy youngster like Smaltese in their semi-final.

“He surprised me how well he did it. You shouldn’t be able to go 1:50 and do it as easily as he did,” he said.

“He’s such a good little racehorse – he just keeps getting better and better.”

Meanwhile Hart can capture the opening race today with Alluring Tyron for Russell Commens.

“She’s definitely a quality filly with good gate speed and can put herself in a good spot,” said Hart.

“Dropping back to the mile should suit her too.”

Hart also likes the prospects of Grimson’s pair Smooth Debate (Race 7) and Terryrama (Race 9).

“Smooth Debate Looks like a horse that can go through her grades and I think Jason has a nice opinion of her and she should go well.”

By Michael Court for HRNSW