In a memorable Grand Circuit meeting at Tab-corp Park Melton, leading reinsman Cameron Hart delivered a masterclass, achieving a remarkable treble in feature events through his unstoppable partnership with the Emma Stewart stable.
The highlights were back-to-back Group 2 victories in the Breeders Crown pacing fillies’ finals, underscoring the duo’s supremacy in Australasian harness racing’s juvenile divisions.
The evening showcased tactical brilliance, elite conditioning, and the depth of the Stewart operation, which dominated multiple placings across the features.
Opening Statement: Petracca’s Commanding Win
The night kicked off with Petracca’s effortless all-the-way victory in an Open Class pace for Hart and Stewart. The Captaintreacherous gelding asserted early dominance, delivering a convincing performance that set the tone for Hart’s treble.
The Breeders Crown Finals: A Group 2 Double-Race: Hyland Racing Colours Breeders Crown (2YO Fillies) Final – Arrhythmia Despite a 40-minute delay due to lightning and heavy rain that unsettled some rivals, Arrhythmia remained composed.
The Vincent filly, sent out as favourite, got out sharply from the gate, took control early, and led throughout the 2240m journey.
Stablemate One Millie trailed prominently but couldn’t bridge the gap on straightening, with Arrhythmia drawing lear to win by just under three metres ahead of One Millie and Willows Girl in third.
The Stewart stable filled the first five placings, highlighting their extraordinary depth in the division.
Post-race, Hart was effusive in his praise for the filly, who bounced back from a surprise defeat in her heat after a tough run in the recent Vicbred Final: “She had a hard run in the Vicbred two-year-old final – she was huge for a two-year-old filly. It took its toll on her in last week’s heat, but they looked after her going into this final. She was spot on tonight –full credit to Emma.
“She was just so sharp. I didn’t let her go to sleep as much as in the heat; she was on the job the whole way. She got out of the gate nice and sharp, was on the bit, and I was able to control the first part of the race. Once Kate’s filly moved around, I had a nice, easy lead, and she felt really sharp down the back. I didn’t let her knock off, and when I asked her to go at the 400, she had that excellent turn of foot she’s shown before.”
Looking ahead, Hart believes Arrhythmia has a bright future: “She gives me a great feel, and I just love the racehorse she is. She showed that toughness in the Vicbred Final and exploded away tonight with her turn of foot. I think she can make a good Oaks filly – she’s got all the manners and ability, so hopefully big wins in her three-year-old year.”
Race: Nutrien Equine Breeders Crown (3YO Fillies) Final – Beach Diamond
The treble was completed thrillingly with Beach Diamond, the standout three-year-old filly.
Facing a second-row draw and sent out as a short-priced favourite, the Somebeachsomewhere daughter was forced to race exposed outside the leader for much of the trip. Yet, under Hart’s patient drive, she maintained rhythm and unleashed superior staying power in the straight, overpowering her rivals to claim another Group 2 crown.
Cameron Hart’s treble – anchored by the Breeders Crown doubles with Arrhythmia and Beach Diamond, plus the opener with Petracca – marks a career-defining achievement. It reinforces the Stewart-Hart combination as the benchmark in Australian harness racing, blending preparation, tactics, and raw talent. This electrifying night at Melton will long be remembered as a showcase of controlled dominance in the sport.
– Tully Potts
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