For all his great deeds and running exploits over the past three years, victory as a seven-year-old in Saturday night’s Group 1 Hunter Cup against the best field he has faced would certainly be the crowning achievement.
Leap To Fame must overcome the two horses that have challenged him more than any others in his stellar career: Kingman and Swayzee.
Kingman has a 3-2 record against Leap To Fame, but the champion has turned that around by winning the past two.
Swayzee has defeated Leap To Fame twice, most famously at last year’s Hunter Cup when he was in charge.
The way the barriers fell – Swayzee in two and Leap To Fame six – the same scenario is likely happening again.
Is Swayzee as good as last year when he destroyed the track record?
Is Leap To Fame as good or better than last year, even in the twilight of his career?
Kingman (gate 10) and New Zealand’s Horse of the Year, the Republican Party, will be stalking them both.
Kingman was simply too good for Leap To Fame in the Victoria and NZ Cups at the end of last year. He also led throughout by beating him in last month’s Shepparton Cup.
But Leap To Fame’s trainer-driver Grant Dixon says he has done well and gotten better with every run during this Summer of Glory.
Most horses would be gasping for breath after four big runs in as many weeks, but Dixon says Leap To Fame is eager for his next achievement.
And it’s his biggest yet.
With more than $5.25 million, Leap To Fame is already by far the richest pacer of all time in this part of the world.
If he wins this Hunter Cup, he can earn another $1,142,500, including a $1 million bonus. Although strangely the bonus does not count towards his official prize money.
The win would be his 16th at Group 1 level, putting him level with former greats Westburn Grant and Lazarus for the most Group 1 wins by an Australasian pacer.
There have been many greats before Leap To Fame. The likes of Blacks A Fake, Lazarus, Im Themightyquinn, Popular Alm and Preux Chevalier to name a few.
But Leap To Fame’s record, longevity, racing success and powerhouse put him next to every one of them.
Remember, he won his first Group 1 return on March 5, 2022 in the NSW Derby.
And he has won so many of his races the hard way, away from the leader.
If “Larry,” as he is known around the stables, can add to this Hunter Cup, it’s hard to argue he isn’t the best of the bunch.
Through Adam Hamiltonfor Harness Racing Australia
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