Fresh from his excellent win in the Goulburn Cup after beating Don Hugo in an epic battle, Swayzee was expected to be a class above his rivals and from the very start it was clear he meant it.
Driver Cameron Hart gave him time to settle down early, while Oberon Cup winner Where’s The Gold found the early lead before wisely surrendering to Swayzee around the 1850m mark.
SWAYZEE JAN 17 REPEAT
The poor conditions didn’t seem to bother Swayzee as he continued and he never got out of second gear when he started applying pressure on the final lap. Helluva, who had three back on track, tried to rally, as did Ubetcha Tigerpie, who came wide from fifth position.
But Swayzee looked completely in control as he powered home down the straight and he swept away to win without seven-yard extra time from a determined Ubetcha Tigerpie with Helluva in a credible third.
Trainer Jason Grimson certainly made the right call by avoiding the Shepparton Cup, where he would have clashed with Kingman and Leap To Fame. As it stands, he will likely go to the $100,000 Group 2 Ballarat Pacing Cup on Saturday evening and then defend his Hunter Cup title at Melton on February 14.
No doubt, track racing fans will be happy that Swayzee is now back in the big time and ready to make his presence felt in the country’s upcoming feature races.
By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink
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