The Hope of Leap To Fame (Gambler’s delight) who is competing in the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup, wants to rest during a race in Melton on Saturday evening.
Trainer-driver Grant Dixon pulled off a surprise today by placing the champion pacer in the final field of six runners for a 2240m free for all.
And the plan is to flee and then decide on the NZ raid.
Leap To Fame has passed two major checkpoints since his slightly below-par third-place finish in the Group 1 Victoria Cup last Saturday evening.
It was the first time in almost two years that he was defeated twice in a row.
The rising seven-year-old has pleased Dixon with his behavior and appetite since last Saturday night’s race.
More importantly, a precautionary blood test taken yesterday was completely clear this morning (Tuesday).
But there is one final hurdle to overcome.
“I’m going to do another blood test on him on Thursday before I commit to the race on Saturday night,” said Dixon.
“If that’s okay, we’ll race again this week.”
Although he only faces five rivals on Saturday night, they include eight-time Group 1 winner Catch A Wave (gate five) and giant killer Bulletproof Boy, who stunned everyone when he faced Leap To Fame in the Smoken Up Sprint last Saturday.
Leap To Fame also starts from the outer draw (six) with Catch A Wave in five and Bulletproof Boy four.
Through Adam Hamiltonfor Harness Racing New Zealand
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