Leap to Fame takes another step to greatness

Australia’s leading pacer Leap to Fame (Bettors Delight) continued his relentless march to more harness racing glory when he yet again decisively won the $50,000 Hyland Harness Colours Smoken Up Sprint at Melton last night. The race is a traditional run up to the $350,000 Victoria Cup this Saturday night.

Not rushed early from his wide draw, driver Grant Dixon allowed Leap to Fame to balance up early before he moved alongside the leader Mach Dan who had shown great speed to clearly lead the star studded field.

But not content with sitting outside the leader Dixon allowed Leap to Fame to stride to the front and from then on he looked to be cruising. 

The Queenslander maintained a clear lead and never looked in danger as he prevailed by 2 metres from a gallant Mach Dan with Curly James finishing up along the rails to grab third ahead of Catch a Wave.

In winning Leap to Fame returned a  mile rate of 1.51.2 and in running his last quarter in a scintillating 26.8 made it virtually impossible for those behind him to make up any ground.

THE PERFECT WARM-UP 🔥

Leap To Fame does it in style, taking out the Group 3 Hyland Harness Colours Smoken Up Sprint for trainer-driver Grant Dixon as he warms up for next Saturday night's Sportsbet Victoria Cup. pic.twitter.com/yzEPsZFQMI

— The Trots (@TheTrotsComAu) October 5, 2024

What makes his performance even more remarkable is that he can only improve on that effort. Trainer Grant Dixon has indicated that the horse thrives on hard work.

“Hopefully he can get the job done next week” he said. He added “He went well and felt really good in the end and able to get the job done. Normally he gets better with each run. Hopefully I’d like to see it (the Victoria Cup) on his resume”.

From the beaten division it is hard to see who could turn the tables. Catch A Wave is a big race performer and he might improve on last night. Jason Grimson’s trio of Swayzee, Major Moth and District Attorney will all line up with Swayzee the only likely threat if things don’t go the way for Leap to Fame.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink