Leap to Fame awesome in lead up to Hunter Cup

The question everyone in harness racing is asking about Leap to Fame (Bettors Delight) is “how are they going to beat him in the Hunter Cup” after he led all the way to take out the $30,000 Hertz Melton Casey Classic at Melton last night.

The six year old stallion was having his last warm up before next week’s $250,000 Group 1 AG Hunter Cup and looked in fabulous condition.

From his ideal inside barrier driver Grant Dixon didn’t bustle up Leap to Fame and Tact Macleod showing great speed worked to the front for Anthony Butt. However it wasn’t long before Leap to Fame strode around the field to take up the running.

New Zealand visitor Republican Party was back early but driver Carter Dalgety had no option but to race outside the leader for most of the remaining trip.

Leap to Fame was motoring along in the final lap but Tact Macleod who had the trail pulled out at the top of the home straight to try to make a race of it. However Leap to Fame was shaken up and the superstar pacer had over one and a half metres to spare over a much improved Tact Macleod. Leap to Fame returned a mile rate of 1.52.6 for the 2240 metres running his final quarter in a slick 26 seconds flat.

Leap To Fame does it again!
The Star pacer that is Leap To Fame makes it look easy as he continues his winning streak in the Hertz Melton Casey Classic for trainer-driver Grant Dixon. pic.twitter.com/v3AAeukl9w

— The Trots (@TheTrotsComAu) January 25, 2025

Grant Dixon was satisfied with the run following the event.

“He seemed pretty good. He was a bit casual in front until I pulled his plugs out and got him back up on the bit. He was good on the line.”

“The other horse (Tact Macleod) got close at the end of the line but my horse wasn’t going to let him pass”.

“I think the run will do him good for next week. He’s got to go to 2800 metres so that will sharpen him up a bit more. He relaxes really nicely and likes it here at Melton where he stays.”

Republican Party battled on gamely for third and his driver Carter Dalgety was pleased after the run.

“I was rapt with his run. He’s blown up after that effort and pulled up better. He will be better for next week”.

Next week’s AG Hunter Cup is shaping up as a must see for harness racing patrons with Leap to Fame ready to defend his title even though he is likely to have stiff opposition from Swayzee, Republican Party, Tact Macleod and Don Hugo. It will be a fascinating spectacle but Leap to Fame will justifiably start favourite.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink