Leap to Fame sounds warning to rivals

Australia’s leading pacer Leap to Fame (Bettors Delight) started his current campaign in hollow fashion when he took out the Racing and Sports Open Handicap at Albion Park last night. 

Facing only five harness racing rivals and starting at just under cash bank rate odds few considered that there would be an upset and it turned out that way.

Starting from the outside in barrier 6 Leap to Fame was nursed on the first corner by his driver Grant Dixon in the driving rain. Nathan Dawson aboard Braedos Street went straight to the front with FireFox taking the trail behind the leader. 

Dixon was in no hurry to bustle up Leap to Fame but he started to creep closer on leaving the back straight and in the matter of few strides he quickly moved away to stay unextended to defeat Northview Hustler by 12 metres with Braedos Lad in third placing. 

What made Leap to Fame’s effort even more remarkable was his overall mile rate of 1.51.2 for the 2138 metres and seemingly cruising in a last quarter of 27.5.

While Leap To Fame’s immediate task is the $300,000 Victoria Cup at Melton in a fortnight there is a strong possibility that he will line up in next week’s $50,000 Smokin Up at the same track. Dixon has indicated that Leap to Fame thrives on his preparation which may be the incentive to give him the extra run. Dixon is looking to add the Victoria Cup to Leap to Fame’s phenomenal record to atone for his very close third in last year’s event. 

LEAP TO FAME REPLAY

Following the Victoria Cup, Leap to Fame is likely to head over to Addington in Christchurch for the NZ$1 million New Zealand Cup scheduled for 12 November. His final preparation is his defence of the Inter Dominion to be staged at Menangle Park with the $500,000 Final on 14 December.

Whatever he takes on, Leap to Fame is likely to be the testing material in anything that he contests. And his presence anywhere can only be beneficial for harness racing as he will bring people to the track. The sport is privileged to have such a wonderful performer who has scaled every height that he has contested. 

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink