Cameron Hart added to his lead in the Wagga drivers premiership courtesy of a double on Tuesday night.
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Hart has a six-point advantage over Reece Maguire as the halfway point of the season approaches.
He started the night in fine style, guiding Sammysluck to victory for Albury trainer Chris Chant.
Originally listed as an emergency, Sammysluck ($4) gained a start then got the perfect run behind leader Refused Service ($30.30).
Finding space in the home straight, Sammysluck went on to win by 2.9 metres.
Hart thought the race was run to suit.
“He likes to be tucked away and used for that one run,” Hart said.
“It was a tricky draw to start with and we weren’t sure if we would get a run or not but it worked out alright.
“He was good enough to win it then.”
Hart then had another slice of luck as Exclusive Jack was able to lead all the way for his uncle Trevor White.
In the early battle for the lead $1.40 favourite Pacific Paradise broke stride, giving Exclusive Jack ($12.90) the front and he was never headed.
It was the seven-year-old’s fifth win in 113 starts and came as a surprise to Hart.
“I didn’t think I would ever see the day that he would win again but he got the nice draw that helps, especially around Wagga," he said.
“He was good enough to win and it was a bit of a surprise, but a good one at that.”
It has been a couple of quiet months of the Junee reinsman, who has spent most of his time watching from the sidelines.
Hart was suspended for three weeks at Young in December and returned at Leeton on Boxing Day only to cop another two-week ban.
However the break hasn’t stopped his form.
He returned to racing at his home track on Saturday night before picking up the Wagga double.
The 17-year-old was pleased to be back racing well again.
“It is good to be back,” Hart said.
“I got a bit of luck, the horses raced good and the trainers have them spot on which helps me a lot.”
The gap was reduced when Maguire was able to lead all the way with Lettuce Go Pippa.
The mare won her sixth race in her last seven starts but Hart still picked up some points with Thats Fire Power finishing second.
Hart has seven drives at Junee’s Carnival of Cups meeting on Thursday, including on Mammals Flash in the Junee Pacers Cup.
Resuming from a let up, Hart is hopeful of his chances after beating Frith in a trial last week.
“He is going super Mammals Flash for Brian Smith,” he said.
“He trialled really good back from a spell, it isn’t the best of draws but we will slide forward.
“He likes to be driven tough so I will drive him like I always do and he will be thereabouts.”
He will also be part of the City v Country Invitational Drivers Challenge and expects there will be plenty of competition throughout the three-race series.