Swayzee a shock A.G. Hunter Cup nomination

Dual New Zealand Cup winner Swayzee (Rock N Roll Heaven) is set to be a shock late addition to the already strong Hunter Cup harness racing field.

IN an exciting twist, trainer Jason Grimson nominated Swayzee for Victoria’s biggest harness race this morning (Friday).

Swayzee’s presence at Melton tomorrow week would take the talented-crammed Hunter Cup to a new level, making it the strongest Grand Circuit field Australasia has seen for almost a decade.

It will also cement the fifth clash between Swayzee and his champion half-brother, Leap To Fame, who holds a 3-1 advantage.

Already Kiwi stars Republican Party, Dont Stop Dreaming and Tact McLeod are confirmed, adding to Aussie topliners Leap To Fame, Don Hugo, Catch A Wave and Max Delight.

Swayzee’s trainer Jason Grimson first hinted at the possible change of plans on Melbourne radio SENTrack yesterday, then doubled down with today’s nomination.

“There’s a big chance he’ll be there,” Grimson said on radio.

It’s a big change from Grimson’s original plan to focus on landing the $1 million bonus for winning all five legs of the NSW Carnival of Cups, which Swayzee has already won the first three legs.

It fits his schedule to tackle the Hunter Cup with the fourth leg of the NSW series not until February 14 at Albury.

Grimson is not adverse to late change, as evidenced by shocking everyone with a last-minute decision to pay a late entry fee to run Swayzee in last November’s NZ Cup, which he won.

Swayzee is yet to contest a Hunter Cup, but did win the Victoria Cup at Melton last October.

The seven-year-old has been a revelation since joining Grimson’s stable in mid-2023 with 24 starts for the barn netting 18 wins, three seconds, two thirds and a fourth.

He famously burst into the big league by upsetting Leap To Fame in the 2023 Group 1 Blacks A Fake at Albion Park, but Leap To Fame has won three subsequent clashes.

It’s been a big week for Grimson and Swayzee after they landed the TABTouch slot into the $1.25 million Group 1 Nullarbor at Gloucester Park in April. He was immediately installed as a $1.90 favourite.

Leap To Fame arrived by plane from Brisbane into Melbourne last night and will cap his Hunter Cup defence with a run in tomorrow night’s Casey Classic at Melton.

Republican Party and Tact McLeod look his main rivals with former Miracle Mile winner Catch A Wave scratched.

“It’s just a bump on his leg and a scan showed it was nothing serious. He’s more likely than not to run (in the Hunter Cu), but we’ll make the final decision on Monday,” Catch A Wave’s trainer Andy Gath said.

by Adam Hamilton, for Harness Racing Victoria