20 October 2022 | HRNSW MEDIA | MICHAEL DUMESNY
STAR Queenslander Leap To Fame will look to take the next step in his domination of the feature races on the eastern seaboard when he contests the second semi-final qualifier of the New South Wales Breeders Challenge for three-year-old colts and geldings at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Saturday night.
The Grant Dixon trained and reined pacer has taken all before him this season, claiming three Derby classics, the latest being the Victorian Derby at Melton earlier this month when he defeated a class field of youngsters with consummate ease.
On Saturday night Leap To Fame comes up against a smart field and also has to contend with a wide draw.
Dixon is well aware that his colt’s task will be no walk in the park but remains confident he can get the job done.
“It has been all systems go preparing for this series since his win in the Victorian Derby,” said Dixon.
“The horse pulled up perfectly after that win and since coming up to Sydney has trained-on well, so I am confident that he is spot-on for Saturday.
“He is coming up against some really nice horses and is also dropping back in distance.
“He is more dominant in distance racing and both his previous Menangle wins in the heat and final of the Derby were over 2400 metres.
“But I do not think the mile journey will be a concern.”
The Son of Bettors Delight has certainly become the “travelling man” in recent times as after winning his Breeders Challenge heat at Tamworth, Leap To Fame travelled back home to Queensland before heading to Melbourne and is now heading back up to Sydney.
“Nothing really worries him. He is very professional and travels well,” said Dixon.
The Jarrod Alchin-trained My Ultimate Ronnie has won three on the bounce and looks Leap To Fame’s biggest threat.
Alchin and his owner Tumby Park Pty Ltd look forward to Saturday night’s challenge but before that will head to Penrith tonight with two of their other pacers that are both favoured to win.
My Ultimate Chevron (Race 2) is coming off a solid last-start effort when he finished second at Newcastle, his first run back from a spell.
My Ultimate Johnny (Race 3) was also resuming from a spell at Penrith last Thursday night and impressed by leading throughout to win.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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