The main NSW combination of Jason Grimson and Cam Hart is deadly as they invade Victoria.
They launch their latest attack on a huge three-runner stage, led by champion stayer Swayzee, in Saturday night’s superb $150,000 Group 1 Cranbourne Cup (2555m).
Since joining Grimson’s stable, Swayzee has raced just twice in Victoria, posting victories in the state’s two biggest open-class races, the 2024 Group 1 Victoria Cup and last year’s Group 1 Hunter Cup. Hart rode him both times.
That’s the quality of this Cranbourne Cup: Swayzee has a $6.50 chance reduced by a wide draw (gate seven). Kingman is $1.65 from pole and Leap To Fame is $2.40 from barrier four.
It is the first time that the superstar trio will collide in the same race.
Grimson and Hart have won a Cranbourne Cup together before, albeit not as strong as this one, when Major Meister scored in 2022. A few weeks later he also won the Ballarat Cup.
Most recently, Grimson and Hart teamed up with star speedster Hi Managirlff to take the lead on October 18 and finish a stunning second to Kingman – beating Leap To Fame at home – in the Victoria Cup.
After a frustrating year full of problems and missed opportunities in 2025, Swayzee defied the doubters and his age – he is now eight years old – to produce one of the best performances of his career in the Goulburn Cup on January 2.
Before heading to the venue, Swayzee sat outside reigning Miracle Mile champion Don Hugo, who boasts an Inter Dominion and TAB Eureka on CV, and crushed him in an epic stay display in Goulburn.
Swayzee then concluded his preparation for Victoria with an easy win at Menangle last Saturday.
“He came back pretty big this time and has gotten better and better as he’s raced,” Hart said. “He felt like the Swayzee of old in his last pair.”
Hart still needs to think about tactics at Cranbourne, given his draw and Swayzee’s usual tough racing style.
If Kingman leads as expected, Hart risks sending the race to Leap To Fame if he moves Swayzee to his usual spot outside the leader and ramps up the pressure.
But if he goes back, Kingman and Leap To Fame can dominate the race from the front.
It’s a fascinating race that should only further fuel the excitement surrounding the $250,000 Group 1 Hunter Cup at Melton on February 14.
The big three from Cranbourne are joined in the Hunter Cup by NZ’s best Republican Party. He has booked a flight from Auckland to Melbourne on Monday and will prepare for next Saturday evening’s $150,000 Group 1 Kilmore Cup.
Grimson and Hart also have their sights set on two other events in Cranbourne on Saturday.
Brilliant young Kiwi mare Captains Mistress has turned heads by winning both starts at Menangle for Grimson by large margins.
She is a $1.50 favorite from gate five against two of Australia’s best mares, Eye Keep Smiling (gate seven, $3.30) and Steno (six, $5.50), in the $50,000 Group 3 Angelique (2080m).
They also have the emerging Demon Blue as a $6 shot from gate three in a strong and even $50,000 Group 3 4&5YO Championship (2080m).
Through Adam Hamiltonfor Harness Racing Victoria
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