‘Larry’s’ track record an ominous sign for ID23

Superstar pacer Leap to Fame (Bettors Delight) looked right on target for his Inter Dominion harness racing campaign, blitzing his opposition in the AQWA Constructions Queensland Cup (2138m) at Albion Park in Brisbane (Nov 11).

The previous week the star four-year-old was beaten out of a place for the first time at his home track when fourth in the Be Good Johnny Sprint but “Larry” and his trainer-driver Grant Dixon silenced doubters in the most emphatic fashion tonight.

The Qld pacing sensation stormed to the front and just kept on running, recording a track record mile rate of 1:51.7 (29, 29.8, 27.4, 26.5) in his 13-metre victory in the $53,400 cup.  Leap to Fame has now had 35 starts for 25 wins and eight placings ($1.4 million in stakes).

Leap to Fame ran a 26 second final quarter the previous week when not bustled early and appeared to hit the line particularly hard, but Dixon was unapologetic about his race tactics.

“He’s had a lot of hard runs lately and it was nice for him to be pinging to the line for a change,” Dixon said during the week.

Leap to Fame is touted as Australasia’s best pacer and for the horse’s owner Kevin Seymour the prospect of an Inter Dominion series on the team’s home track is an enticing prospect.

“After 51 years in the game, this is the horse I’ve been dreaming of,” Seymour says.

Dixon’s intention is to see how Leap to Fame comes through his most recent run before deciding whether to start him again before the Inter Dominion series, beginning on December 1.

“I’m really pleased with the year he has had so far,” Dixon said.

“He’s second on the money earners for the year – if we could just earn one more big one for the season, I will be rapt.”

That “big one” will undoubtedly play out in Queensland in December – roll on ID23!

by Terry Gange, for Harnesslink