19 June 2023 | HRNSW MEDIA | MICHAEL DUMESNY
Two of Sydney harness racing’s leading lights dominated racing on Saturday night at Tabcorp Park Menangle with former New Zealander Jack Trainor and premier reinsman Cam Hart each landing winning trebles in the gig.
It was expected that Hart would be in Queensland for the Winter Carnival to drive in the feature races for Sydney trainer Jason Grimson, but he opted to stay at home where he had a strong book of drives, a decision that was justified by his success.
Trainor’s treble included two pacers that he trains himself while his third victory was aboard the Mark Jones-trained square gaiter Hot To Trot in Saturday night’s feature, the Club Menangle Yamamoto Trotters Mile.
With the emergence of some up and coming stars in his care, Trainor is looking forward to metropolitan racing over the next few months, confident that he can bag his fair share of winners.
Im In Trouble, a recent acquisition to Trainor’s stable was impressive in wining on Saturday night after coming from midfield to score running away.
The gelding was sent to Sydney by Canberra owner, trainer Michael Hawke and accounted for a strong field when clocking 1:52.6 for the mile.
Earlier in the night, BK Swy made a return to the winners’ circle for Trainor, who drove the mare patiently, coming from last at the top of the lane to snatch victory away from Anna Love and Im Presi Belle in the closing stages.
Hot To Trot led and just held on for a narrow half-head win, defeating Watts Up Majestic in a stirring battle.
Two of Hart’s winners were provided by trainer Jarrod Alchin while he completed his treble aboard the Adam Ruggari-trained Far Out Bro.
Meanwhile, Leading Hunter Valley trainer Clayton Harmey has a busy time ahead of him this afternoon with thirteen runners engaged at Newcastle, many of them considered realistic winning chances.
Well-bred former New Zealand gelding Bettor Cheer will be watched with interest as he is having his first Australian start for Harmey in race four.
By top sire Bettors Delight, the lightly raced three-year-old has not raced since winning at Cambridge on May 11 and given Harmey’s proven first-up strike rate with the former kiwis, the short-priced favourite appears to be the one to beat.
Meanwhile, Major Mickey is chasing a hattrick of wins for Harmey in race five.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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