Swayzee’s awesome Victoria Cup win

Brilliant pacer Swayzee (Rock N Roll Heaven) gave one of his best ever harness racing performances when he was too good for his rivals In the Group 1 $300,000 Victoria Cup at Melton. 

The Cup which is a leg of the prestigious Grand Circuit has always been able to attract a top class field and last night’s event was no exception despite the unfortunate late scratching of Leap to Fame which dramatically changed the nature of the field. 

In a fast run race, Mach Dan as expected led from the pole holding out Act Now.  Swayzee from the outside of the second row settled down and then he was sent around the field by Cameron Hart. After a short battle Mach Dan surrendered the lead and Swayzee cleared the field. 

But even on crossing the field Swayzee continued to keep going and he had rivals off the bit a long way from home. His performance was reflected in his incredible mile rate of 1.51.8 for the 2760m metres. 

Curly James who was four back on the rails finished well along the inside to take second with Mach Dan holding on for third. The race was a great success for trainer Jason Grimson who trained the first two placegetters. 

WHAT A RACE! 😍

Let's relive the 2024 Sportsbet Victoria Cup in full! pic.twitter.com/QSdX1moPxc

— The Trots (@TheTrotsComAu) October 12, 2024

The win was Cameron Hart’s 13th Group 1 success and he was certainly a happy man following the event.

“It was an exceptional performance. Once he gets in that gear he gets comfortable I’ve known this horse for a long time. I’ve been lucky enough to be associated with Jason Grimson. He’s an great trainer. So patient with his horses and he’s not afraid to think outside the box like changing their work”.

Swayzee’s immediate facing future is centred around the $1 million bonus that he could receive if he wins all 5 New South Wales country cups. Already he has win number one on the board when he won the Dish at Parkes and he has four more events to claim the bonus. That would almost rule out of the forthcoming NZ Pacing cup at Christchurch next month.

As for Leap to Fame it was indicated that he is unlikely to go to New Zealand. If the issue that forced him out of the Victoria Cup is not serious then hopefully he will be able to line up in the Inter Dominion series in early December.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink