Leap to fame (Gambler’s delight) The build-up to the IRT New Zealand Cup is becoming more intriguing by the day.
Fresh from his shock harness race defeat at Melton last Saturday night, the champion Queenslander faces a huge challenge from the worst possible barrier in this week’s $250,000 Group 1 Victoria Cup.
Leap To Fame dropped from $1.25 to $1.60 after a back row tie (gate eight) in the 2240m. Many think it could start close to $2.
Trainer-driver Grant Dixon said: “It’s going to be very difficult now, especially as we’re only going 2240 meters and not 2760 metres.
“If you drag back to get clear you are conceding a huge start to some very good horses, but if you persist you run the risk of being seriously bagged and never seeing daylight again.
“It has made it much more difficult and it has certainly made for an intriguing race now.”
Dixon was just returning to optimism after Australian harness racing’s biggest upset in 25 years, when Leap To Fame disappointed his lofty standards last Saturday night.
“He looks great, his blood test came back good and he has been working really well,” he said. “But now we have to deal with this draw.”
It has fueled rumors of a Victoria Cup hoodoo for Leap To Fame as this is the only ‘mega’ feature that has eluded him and this will be his third attempt.
“It’s starting to feel like this is a race that’s just not meant for him,” said Dixon.
Barrier eight is the same draw Leap To Fame had when beaten as heavy favorite by Swayzee in the Group 1 Hunter Cup at Melton on February 1.
“It’s scary how many times he’s pulled the two barriers we don’t want, one or eight,” Dixon said. “Like I said, at least the Hunter Cup was 2760 meters long and we still got our chance, but this time it’s much harder again over just 2240 meters.”
So much will now depend on what happens at the start, with the two fastest beginners – Catch A Wave and Hi Managirlff – drawn one and two and Leap To Fame after Catch A Wave.
Trainer Andy Gath was delighted with Catch A Wave’s draw but believes NSW speedster Hi Managirlff could pack on too much speed and cross him at the start.
“He’s very quick on the outside and he can’t handle being away from inside, so they’ll be desperate to lead,” he said. “Sitting on him wouldn’t be the worst thing because I’m sure he wouldn’t give up the lead.
“It’s a great draw for us. We have options and now that Leap To Fame has been drawn where he is, we now have a very interesting race ahead of us.”
The other big player is Luke McCarthy’s emerging star Kingman, who is well drawn in gate four and right on pace.
For full race entries, click here.
Through Adam Hamiltonfor Harness Racing New Zealand
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