It’s a common saying in racing that there is no such thing as a good thing and this was evident last night at Melton when evergreen pacer Bulletproof Boy (Art Official) caused a boilover edging out Australia’s top pacer Leap To Fame in the Listed Smokin Up Sprint.

Leap To Fame worked his way to the front when Miki Pins elected to take a trail.

Bulletproof Boy who was resuming settled three back on the rails. Eureka winner Bay of Biscay was eased out at the start to settle a clear last.

Grant Dixon allowed Leap To Fame to bowl along and he appeared to have his rivals off the bit. However Miki Pins stuck behind him and on straightening went for an inside run. But it was Bulletproof Boy who started to gather ground, and to the surprise of all on the track stormed home to snatch a famous half head win with Miki Pins third.

BULLETPROOF BOY OCT 11 REPLAY

A surprised James Herbertson stated after the event.

“I’d said before he’s the fastest horse I’ve driven for point to point speed. He really showed it. He’s fresh, he’s a rev head and he loves racing I think he’s ten or eleven years old now. I don’t think you’d find a horse out there who loves racing more than he does.”

“He’s just a competitive beast. Yeah he’s killed goliath tonight. The middle half was pretty easy and we got a good breather through there but it was only about 100 metres out I thought I was making up pretty good ground on him Grant wasn’t getting away from us. He’s very fast.”

All champions are entitled to a night off and under the circumstances nothing too serious should be read into the run. Leap To Fame had a similar experience at Redcliffe in June 2024 when he led and was outsprinted by District Attorney. Leap To Fame thrives with racing and trainer Grant Dixon is sure to have him much sharper in next weeks Group 1 $250,000 Victoria Cup and he should be suited by the longer trip.

Nonetheless his loss will give his rivals hope that they have a fighting chance of causing yet another upset. However Bulletproof Boy will not be there as he was not entered for the big event.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink