Look ahead to this weekend's harness racing action in our weekly preview, thanks to Darren Clayton.
The latest campaign for Leap To Fame begins on Saturday night as the champion steps out in the second race of the program at Albion Park.
With the upcoming Victoria Cup and a trip to New Zealand on the schedule, the six-year-old should make light work of his small field of opponents.
Looking interstate, the Graham Dwyer-trained Golden Fire will line-up in the Frith Stakes at Menangle following two impressive Albion Park victories.
GET ON
Albion Park on Saturday night. Race seven, number three - Windy Hill Tara.
Now prepared by Jack Butler, the former New South Wales Oaks-winner looks well placed in this mare's event after a sound first-up run for the new stable.
LEAP TO FAME BACK
Leap To Fame is the king and Albion Park is his castle.
The Grant Dixon-trained six-year-old has not been beaten at Queensland harness racing headquarters since November 4 of 2023.
Since that defeat, Australia’s best pacer has won two Inter Dominions, a Hunter Cup, a Miracle Mile and several other feature events.
The 2025 Inter Dominion victory was the 39th Albion Park victory for Leap To Fame.
That moved him one win clear of Blacks A Fake, Be Good Johnny and Cobbity Classic, who all finished their careers with 38 wins at Queensland’s harness headquarters.
Following a clinical trial victory in readiness for his race return, Leap To Fame will have just five opponents over the 2138 metre journey.
Despite facing the outside barrier, this should be a little obstacle for the champ.
Grant Dixon has the luxury of being able to balance up early and then send Leap To Fame forward and from the front it should be a case of times and margins.
Aroda will resume from a spell and has drawn gate two, with another potential tilt at the New Zealand cup on the agenda.
Aroda's last appearance was in the Inter Dominion Final back in July.
The five-year-old resumes following his down the line performance and is looking to build towards a second successive New Zealand Cup.
Hector is the interesting runner.
The journeyman pacer finds his way to the Mitchell Dawson stable but faces a stern test first-up for the new barn.
FIRE MOVING SOUTH
Following two impressive Albion Park victories, the Graham Dwyer-trained Golden Fire heads south to chase feature race success.
Lining up in the Frith Stakes, Golden Fire has drawn barrier six with Layne Dwyer set to partner the mare in the reinsman's first look at the 1400 metre oval track.
The five-year-old produced a personal best victory last time out when working to the front and taking control.
That followed a passing lane victory.
However, she faces a stern test in the Menangle feature.
Golden Fire will need to be at her best with her opponents including the Rickie Alchin-trained Lux Aeterna and the Michael Stanley-trained Soho Americano.
NOT AS PROMISED CHASING 13
Graham Dwyer will be chasing a two-state double on Saturday night.
Not As Promised is looming as his best chance at Albion Park.
The five-year-old star was back in winning form last week when resuming for his first start since the Inter Dominion decider.
Tackling the 2138 metre trip under mobile conditions last start, the gelding was sent forward soon after the start and took control of proceedings in claiming victory.
Stomping out a slick 55.7 second closing half, the five-year-old claimed his 12th Albion Park win.
He will take good benefit from the run heading into this week’s assignment.
With seven wins in 10 attempts from the tapes, Not As Promised looks well placed from the 20-metre tape.
That is the same mark he will share with Zealous Spur, Love Gun and Hide And Seek.
The Shannon Price-trained Hide And Seek was chasing a hat-trick of wins last start when third behind Mufasa Metro.
The enigmatic gelding was run down in the closing stages.
Love Gun was third at his last appearance back on September 6.
Zealous Spur finished fourth in that same race, with both Grant Dixon-trained runners fresh up since that outing.
