Tricky Draw Makes Leap Vulnerable Again

04 July 2024 | Adam Hamilton
Logo
Leap To Fame ID23 Final Win

Leap To Fame ID23 Final Win Photo by Dan Costello

GRANT Dixon isn't too fazed about a barrier draw many believe could spark champion pacer Leap To Fame's second consecutive defeat.

The five-year-old powered his way to 13 successive wins, including the Inter Dominion, Hunter Cup and Miracle Mile, before a shock loss in the Patrons Purse at Redcliffe on June 21.

Leap To Fame went out a $1.04 favourite and led but was run down late by District Attorney, who trailed him throughout.

District Attorney, unbeaten in two runs for new trainer Jason Grimson, was a $15 outsider that night but has been backed from $2.30 into $2.20 to repeat the dose in Saturday night's Wondais Mate Sprint (1660m) at Albion Park. Leap To Fame has eased from $1.80 to $1.90.

That's largely because Leap To Fame has drawn barrier one and most form analysts expected renowned speedster Turn It Up to cross him early from gate two. District Attorney, who began brilliantly at Redcliffe, will be charging forward, too.

"Yes, barriers one and eight (inside the back row) are the two draws you don't really want with him (Leap To Fame)," Dixon said. 

"But he can brush out pretty quickly when we really want to, and we'll be doing our best from the pole."

If Leap To Fame leads or is behind the leader, he will clearly be the horse to beat. But if he's shuffled to three back on the inside, things get tricky.

While Dixon would love Leap To Fame to rebound this week, his major focus is further ahead in the $200,000 Group 1 Sunshine Sprint (July 20) and $400,000 Group 1 Blacks A Fake (July 27).

"Given we missed the Redcliffe Cup last week, which I'm sure was the right thing to do from a 30m handicap given the way the race was run, I might even run him again next week (in the Mr Feelgood) as well," Dixon said.

"I like to keep him right up to the mark, and the Mr Feelgood is 2138m, which would be good heading towards a staying race like the Blacks A Fake."

Dixon is also excited with the progress of his two-year-old Fate Awaits, ahead of the inaugural $500,000 Protostar at Albion Park on July 27.

"I was really pleased with his trial (Tuesday, Albion Park)," he said. 

"The trip down to Melbourne certainly hasn't taken anything out of him."

"There's a race the week before the Protostar, and I'd think we'd take him there for his next run."

Leap To Fame will share top billing at Albion Park on Saturday night with Chariots Of Fire winner Frankie Ferocious, who resumes from a spell in the second race as he prepares for Saturday week's $350,000 Group 1 Rising Sun.

The Queensland-owned Frankie Ferocious won the Group 1 Chariots Of Fire in February and hasn't raced since a fantastic fourth to Leap To Fame in the Miracle Mile on March 9.

·       Adam Hamilton is a paid contributor writing on harness racing for News Corp.

 

Related News

21 June 2025
Arrhythmia out to remain undefeated
Arrhythmia is set to continue her undefeated streak as she competes in the Tassie Wash Stakes (1680m) this Sunday in Launceston. The daughter of Vincent won on debut in a two-year-old event on 11 May for trainer Emma Stewart before being transferred to the Tammy Langley stable, where she won at her next...
21 June 2025
LET IT RIDE - Multi plays with Ryan Phelan
Harness fans and sports punters, looking to add some extra juice to your multi? Ryan Phelan breaks down the best Melton multi locks to make your Saturday soar!
21 June 2025
Hayden bowled over by strength of Queensland harness racing
Matthew Hayden may be away on international cricket commentary duties, but he will be watching the race that carries his name with great pride this weekend. The harness code’s innovative slot race The Hayden will have its third running at Albion Park on Saturday night. Named after the Queensland...
20 June 2025
In-form reinsmen get the 'call-up'
THREE in-form reinsmen get the ‘call-up’ at Club Menangle on Saturday night as one of our all-time greats heads across the border chasing more riches. Luke McCarthy’s team has never been in better form and the Cobbitty horseman has taken a formidable team to Queensland to chase some...
20 June 2025
Gloucester Park Preview Part B - June 20
Little Darling Primed For Kerry Clark Success In-form mare Little Darling is poised for more feature race success in tonight’s Kerry Clark (2130m) at Gloucester Park. The Barry Howlett-trained pacer produced an encouraging performance behind Aardiebytheseaside last week when first-up for 35 days....
Click for more