Cam Hart in form ahead of New Zealand Cup

[Wandering Eyes]

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk 

As he vies for a record-equaling third IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup win with Swayzee, Cameron Hart is a man in form right now.

The 26-year-old, who steered Swayzee to back to back wins in this country’s biggest race in 2023 and 2024, had a personal best six wins at Menangle in Sydney on Saturday night.

“It’s pretty crazy,” he said after his record haul.

“It’s a big thrill to get six and for three different trainers who have all been big supporters of mine week in week out so it’s great to get a result for them.”

Four of Hart’s winners were trained by old mate Jason Grimson. They were Miki Cohen, Our Sweet Delight, Tuapeka Lou and Hi Manameisjeff. The other winners were Alta William trained by his cousin Chris Judd and the Darren Binskin-trained Our Sadie Kay after a protest.

Previously Hart’s personal best was five winners at the same meeting. He did that on four occasions.

Saturday night’s performance equalled the six won at the new Menangle track by brothers Todd and Luke McCarthy in 2019 and 2020.

In November Hart will again partner with grand old stayer Swayzee in the New Zealand Cup at Addington Raceway.

If he wins it again he’ll be just the fourth horse to win three New Zealand Cups in a row, joining Indianapolis (1934-36), False Step (1958-60) and Terror To Love (2011-13).

Swayzee is currently a $5 second favourite on the TAB Futures market, with half brother, the superstar that is Leap To Fame at $1.60.

And Renwick Farms Dominion Trot contender Arcee Phoenix has shown some encouraging form at a trial at Bendigo in country Victoria this week.

The Chris Svanosio-trained six-year-old won the trial, beating another Kiwi-bound trotter in Parisian Artiste. Both are nominated for the Dominion. It reverses the result of a trial last week at Melton.

Arcee Phoenix will make his fourth trip to this side of the Tasman in November.

The winner of the TAB Trot at Cambridge in April he is currently a $4.20 equal second favourite with Bet N Win, just behind Oscar Bonavena ($4).

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