Swayzee’s staying power overwhelms his rivals in Hunter Cup

Outstanding stayer Swayzee (Rock N Roll Heaven) gave another first class harness racing performance to prevail in a thrilling Group 1 $250,000 Sportsbet AG Hunter Cup at Melton last night.

This was probably one of the finest races put together with the likes of Leap to Fame, Swayzee and recent Inter Dominion winner Don Hugo pitted against the formidable New Zealand contingent of Republican Party, Don’t Stop Dreaming and Tact Macleod and as a spectacle the race did not disappoint.

An easing second favourite behind his younger half brother Leap to Fame Swayzee did exactly what driver Cameron Hart had indicated prior to the event.

Swayzee went around the outside of the field and was given the front by early leader Tact Macleod. His plan was then to make Leap to Fame work to catch him and that is precisely what happened.

Republican Party  the other main New Zealand contender was three back on the rails.

Leap to Fame got off the rails early in the event and eventually went around the outside of the field to sit outside Swayzee. However the former was always clear of Leap to Fame. It was a stirring final home straight when Leap to Fame inched closer and Tact Macleod got a run along the inside.

In a driving finish Swayzee showed his usual customary courage to hold off a really gallant Leap to Fame by a head with Republican Party a half neck away third.

What a finish!

Swayzee (Cam Hart) stretches his winning streak to seven with a narrow track record breaking win (1:51.9) in the $250,000 Sportsbet AG Hunter Cup, 2760m, at Melton tonight.

A 13th Group 1 success for NSW trainer Jason Grimson. pic.twitter.com/QBkISibjPq

— The Trots (@TheTrotsComAu) February 1, 2025

The quality of the race was evident when Swayzee smashed the track record rating a scintillating 1.51.9 for the 2760 metre journey

The win now makes the battle 3-2 in Leap to Fame’s favour but the race last night shows that there is very little between them.

For both trainer Jason Grimson and driver Cameron Hart this was their 15^th Group 1 success. Grimson has won three Group 1 races in New Zealand.

Grimson recalled after the event.

“He was going to show the type of horse he is. He’s just a happy horse. We don’t over race them and I’m keeping him for the bigger races. He loves to travel. Cameron knows the horse and all credit to him.”

Swayzee will now be set for the Albury Cup on Friday February 14 then will go for the million dollar bonus when he tackles the Renshaw Cup at Penrith.

“We’re looking to go to the Slot race in Perth in April but we’ll miss the Miracle Mile.” “I’m looking to set him for a third New Zealand Cup later in the year”.

Cameron Hart was confident even when Leap to Fame moved up to nearly draw level. “I felt I had his measure all the way down the home straight.”

Hart’s success capped off a great night with a winning treble having won with Hez All Rock earlier in the night and then winning with top mare Aardie’s Express in the Ladyship Cup.

Leap to Fame lost no admirers in finishing a close second. If he competes in the Cranbourne Cup next Saturday night he will be a great drawcard.

Republican Party will now head back to New Zealand where he will compete in a slot race at Cambridge. In the meantime Don Hugo who finished fifth will return to Sydney for a crack at the Miracle Mile where he is likely to clash with Leap to Fame. Don Hugo is then likely to tackle the Renshaw Cup where he will probably do battle with Swayzee.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink