Hi Manameisjeff Photo by Club Menangle
TOP young driver Cam Hart said the barrier draw shaped his choice of drives in Saturday night’s $250,000 Group 1 Victoria Cup at Melton.
With defending champion Swayzee out of the race, most expected Hart to reunite with young Victorian star Bay Of Biscay, who he drove to win the world’s richest harness race, the $2.1mil TAB Eureka, at Menangle last month.
But Hart will drive veteran speedster Hi Manameisjeff instead.
“There’s not much between them two for a race like this over 2240m and when Hi Manameisjeff drew two and Bay Of Biscay off the back row (10), it made the choice easier,” Hart said.
“It’s the hardest part of my job when you’ve got to make these calls, especially in big races, but it’s a good problem to have, I guess.
“I suggested to ‘Grimmo’ (trainer Jason Grimson) to give ‘Jeff’ (Hi Manameisjeff) a crack at this Cup when Swayzee wasn’t going and now he’s drawn so well, I'm glad we’re coming.
“The horse feels in such a great place this campaign, I'm really happy how he’s come back, and I felt if he drew the front row, he’d just about lead from anywhere.
“I know we’ve got Catch A Wave inside us and he’s quick out, but I’d be surprised if they weren’t happy to sit on us, knowing they’ll get their chance at us late.”
Although Hi Manameisjeff is a renowned speedster, four of his 13 wins (from just 18 starts) since joining Grimson’s stable have been over 2300m at Menangle.
“And the 2240m at Melton feels a lot shorter than that, it’s more like a sprint race,” Hart said.
“I think he’ll run a really strong 2240m around Melton, especially on the pegs (inside) where he goes so much better on his old legs.
“It’ll be very surprised if he doesn’t give it a big shake.”
Hart’s bullishness soared after Leap To Fame, who normally tries to beat aboard Swayzee (and has twice), drew the worst possible barrier (eight).
“People don’t realise how difficult that’s going to be in a short race like this,” Hart said.
“By the time Grant (Dixon, Leap To Fame’s driver) can get away from the inside, he’ll be miles off the leaders and they might only be 1600m to go.
“The chasing and work he’s going to have to do will be huge. He’s a great, great horse, but this will be a huge challenge.”
