Leap To Fame arrives in time for Derby heat

Queensland trainer Grant Dixon met his superstar colt at Melbourne Airport in the early hours of this morning and now has him based at Clinton Welsh’s property in Toolern Vale.

His arrival here in Victoria is a relief for connections, with flight issues pushing back his trip down south to just a couple of days out from the Downbytheseaside Victoria Derby heats.

“I think we put him on the horse float abut 4.30am,” Dixon said.

“He seems really bright and seems good.”

Leap To Fame has drawn barrier 11 in the second of two Derby heats at Melton on Saturday night, one spot inside series favourite Captain Ravishing.

Catch A Wave, the other horse highly fancied in the Derby market alongside Leap To Fame and Captain Ravishing, will look to overcome barrier 12 in the first of the qualifiers.

“He’ll just have a jog canter (before Saturday night) and that’ll be about him. He’s had a lot of work at home so that should keep everything as good as we can have him.”

Leap To Fame has won 14 of 19 career starts, including triumphs in the New South Wales and Queensland derbies earlier this year.

“I’ve got no doubt this is the hardest Derby he’s gone in to, so it will just be interesting to see how we line up with these horses. He hasn’t raced a lot of these ones,” Dixon said.

Leap To Fame was joined on the flight out of Brisbane last night by stablemate Racy Roxy, who will tackle heat one of the Pryde’s Easifeed Victoria Oaks.

She has drawn gate five for her qualifier.

For complete race fields for Melton Saturday, click here.

by Tim O’Connor, for HRV