Inter Dominion fav lands worst possible barrier draw

NOT even the worst possible barrier draw should stop champion pacer Leap To Fame from winning a second Inter Dominion pacing final at Albion Park next Saturday night.

Trainer-driver Grant Dixon initially shook his head in disbelief when Leap To Fame drew gate one, after having barrier eight (inside the back row) in both qualifying heats.

“Most horses would love the pole, but it’s the one draw we didn’t want,” he said.

That’s because Leap To Fame has only average early gate speed and, if he’s crossed at the start, traffic and luck in running becomes a potential issue in the $1 million race.

But Dixon’s initial look at the rivals drawn on the front row, eased his frustration somewhat.

“It’s not a really fast front row. There’s nothing explosive, who looks certain to get across us,” he said.

“I think we’re a chance to hold up and lead. That’s what I’ll be trying to do anyway.

“At least it’s a real staying race (3157m) so if he is crossed, we’ve got plenty of time to find some clear air.”

Leap To Fame will start the shortest priced Inter Dominion favourite in history, but did ease from $1.10 to $1.25 after drawing the pole.

The six-year-old hasn’t been beaten at Albion Park since November 4, 2023. He’s won 20 successive races at the track since.

Just as he did in the 2023 Brisbane Inter Dominion, Leap To Fame is aiming for a clean sweep after winning all his qualifying heats.

Leap To Fame missed last year’s Sydney Inter Dominion through illness, which paved the way for Don Hugo to win.

Don Hugo then upset Leap To Fame in the Miracle Mile on March 8, but Leap To Fame has beaten him in all three other clashes, including last Saturday night’s heat when Don Hugo had a torrid run and tired for seventh.

Don Hugo has gate six and loads of early speed, but will trainer-driver Luke McCarthy dare to unleash him over an untried marathon distance?

Leap To Fame is one of three finalists for Dixon. His wife Trista will drive Aroda (gate 13) and Jack Chapple will partner Tims A Trooper (gate eight).

Queensland trainer Shannon Price said “ask me Thursday” who stable driver Adam Sanderson will partner out of Speak The Truth (gate three) and Sure Thing Captain (12).

Menangle trainers Kerry Ann and Robbie Morris also have two runners, Cya Art (gate four) and old marvel Petes Said So, who will contest his fourth consecutive Grand Final at his 215th start.

Victorian star Catch A Wave drew outside the front (gate seven) and is a $21 shot.

The $500,000 trotting final is a lot more open with Victorian star Arcee Phoenix firming from $4 to $2.50 after snaring gate one, while young Kiwi star Bet N Win, who won both his heats, is $3.50 second elect from gate five.

Other big guns London To A Brick (gate 11), Oscar Bonavena (12) and Gus (13) are all out the draw and had to start from wide on the back row.

GRAND FINAL DRAWS

PACERS

Front row: Leap To Fame, Rakero Rebel, Speak The Truth, Cya Art, Petes Said So, Don Hugo, Catch A Wave.

Back row: Nyack (emerg), Captains Knock, Tims A Trooper, Max Delight, Sure Thing Captain, Aroda.

TROTTERS:

Front row: Arcee Phoenix, Love Gun, Sir Fahrenheit (emerg), Parisian Artiste, Bet N Win, Not As Promised, Golden Sunset.

Back row: Constantinople, Harry Stamper, Zealous Spur, London To A Brick, Oscar Bonavena, Gus.

by Adam Hamilton, for Harness Racing Australia