Hart stays with Jeff in the Victoria Cup

Top young driver Cam Hart said the barrier draw influenced his choice of rides in the $250,000 Group 1 Victoria Cup at Melton on Saturday evening.

With defending champion Swayzee out of the race, most expected Hart to reunite with young Victorian star Bay Of Biscay, with whom he won the world’s richest harness race, the $2.1 million TAB Eureka, at Menangle last month.

But Hart will pilot veteran speedster Hi Manaijzelff (Art major) instead of.

“There’s not much between the two for a race like this over 2240 meters and when Hi Managirlff had two right and the Bay of Biscay in the back row (10), the choice became easier,” said Hart.

“It’s the hardest part of my job when you have to make these decisions, especially in big races, but it’s a good problem to have, I think.

“I suggested to ‘Grimmo’ (trainer Jason Grimson) to give ‘Jeff’ (Hi Managirlff) a chance at this Cup when Swayzee didn’t go and now that he’s been drawn so well, I’m glad we’re coming.

“The horse is feeling in such a great place this campaign. I’m really happy with the return and I felt if he got into the front row he could lead from almost anywhere.

“I know we have Catch A Wave in us and he’ll be out quickly, but I’d be surprised if they weren’t happy to sit on us knowing they’ll get their chance on us late.”

Although Hi Managirlff is a renowned speedster, four of his thirteen wins (from just 18 starts) since joining Grimson have been over 2300 meters at Menangle.

“And the 2240 meters in Melton feels much shorter, more like a sprint race,” said Hart.

“I think he will run a very strong 2240 meters around Melton, especially on the pins (inside) where he performs so much better on his old legs.

“I’ll be very surprised if he doesn’t give it a big shock.”

Hart’s bullishness soared after Leap To Fame, who normally tries to beat aboard Swayzee (and has done so twice), drew the worst possible barrier (eight).

“People don’t realize how hard that’s going to be in a short race like this,” Hart said.

“By the time Grant (Dixon, Leap To Fame’s driver) can break away from the inside, he will be miles away from the leaders and they may only have 1600 meters to go.

“The hunt and the work he will have to do will be enormous. He is a great, great horse, but this will be a huge challenge.”

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Through Adam Hamiltonfor Harness Racing Australia