Swayzee impresses again in NZ Cup lead up

Look out Akuta. That’s what many were saying at Menangle after Australia’s leading New Zealand Cup contender Swayzee (Rock N Roll Heaven) blitzed his harness racing rivals again over the weekend.

Swayzee stretched his unbeaten record for Jason Grimson to eight races when he worked to the front and roared away from his rivals to beat stablemate Nerano by 10.1m.

SWAYZEE REPLAY

Driver Cam Hart looked to have plenty left in the tank and he blazed a 1min52.6sec last mile of the 2400m, including closing splits of 54.4 and 27.3sec.

“That’s how he felt in the trial the other day, so sharp,” Hart said.

“He’s come back better since his break after the Blacks A Fake win. He’s just doing things easier and his point-to-point speed is better.”

It capped an important week for Swayzee, having also stepped well in a standing-start trial at Menangle last Wednesday.

Hart is adamant the stand won’t be an issue at Addington on November 14.

The NZ TAB cut Swayzee’s Cup odds from $5 into $4.20 after his standing-start trial.

He firmed again from $4.20 into $3.20 after yesterday’s powerhouse win. Akuta is the $2 favourite.

In contrast, fellow NZ Cup hopeful Spirit Of St Louis looked very disappointing behind Swayzee.

He worked early to find the lead then took a sit on Swayzee, but was struggling rounding the home bend and weakened late to finish 16.1m from the winner in fourth spot.

His NZ Cup odds eased from $17 to $31.

Swayzee and Spirit Of St Louis are booked to fly to NZ on November 5.

For complete race results, click here.

by Adam Hamilton, for Harness racing New Zealand