Leap To Fame returns with a vengeance

Australia’s leading pacer Leap To Fame (Bettor’s Delight) redeemed himself with a strong all the way harness racing win in the Mimosa Homes Free For All at Melton on Saturday evening.

Leap To Fame had never lost more than two races in a row and this impressive record was on the line after his third placing in last week’s Victoria Cup. This had led to suggestions that he would not be travelling to Christchurch to take his place in the New Zealand Cup in November.

Fortunately Leap To Fame thrives on racing and when trainer Grant Dixon declared that all was well with the star he accepted at Melton.

And Leap To Fame certainly let that be known when he charged out of the mobile gate to be up alongside leader Bulletproof Boy and then shortly after crossing to the lead. His only real danger Catch A Wave was eased back to the rear of the field.

LEAP TO FAME OCT 25 REPLAY

From then on Dixon kept Leap to Fame running along in the lead

“He seemed good. He loves a bit of distance and loves to be in front but he went through the line. I’ll have a talk to Kevin and Kay (Seymour) and Trista we’ll do a blood test on Monday to find out his blood’s held up good after that run. And then we’ll make the final decision then.”

“His heart monitor is normal where we like it to be. He felt good the track even though it’s had a bit of water on it was as firm as it’s been.”

“It’s always a relief when he wins sort of relief and then happy about it after.”

“All systems go for New Zealand but the main thing is how he pulls up. He felt the best this week the whole time he’s been here. So hopefully its onwards and upwards.”

The most pleasing aspect of Leap To Fame’s win was his last 400 metres in 26.2 seconds in an overall mile rate of 1.52.6.

Provided all goes well it seems likely that Leap To Fame will go over to New Zealand and try to win the race that he is yet to succeed in.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink