Leap To Fame wins one of the greatest NZ Cups

Pretty much all of the pre-race scenarios played out in what was one of the greatest New Zealand Cups witnessed for a long time.

LEAP TO FAME REPLAY

In today’s $800,000 Group One Go Media New Zealand Trotting Cup Swayzee flew the tapes, as did roughie Tact McLeod.

As Marketplace came round the pair Leap To Fame got onto Swayzee’s back. When Swayzee got to the top Leap To Fame got into the perfect spot – the one one.

With two laps to run Dixon moved the champ out to sit parked, giving Marketplace cover.

“I wouldn’t say I was ultra confident, but I was confident I was going to be fighting out right to the line. He did travel well and I thought I was going to get Swayzee for a change.”

The order remained the same until last year’s winner Kingman started to roll around the field. At the 1000 metres the field was made up of three lines, so it was game on.

At the 800 Swayzee’s driver Cam Hart started to rein his horse up and the pressure dialed up.

At the 600 the three Aussies – Swayzee, Leap To Fame and Kingman were piling it on.

At the 400 Leap To Fame got his head in front of Swayzee.

Halfway up the straight Leap To Fame was calling on his seemingly endless reserves. Marketplace was getting out late off his back and Tact McLeod was getting a run up the inside.

“I knew Marketplace was on my back the whole way and I was just hoping the work he did early, he was going to pay the price for that last little bit. Thankfully we held on.”

In what only champions can do, Leap To Fame lifted and at the line his winning margin was a neck from Marketplace with Tact McLeod running the race of his life three quarters of a length back in third.

“To Larry’s credit again – he just loves winning.”

The first mile was run in 2-01.2, the last mile in 1-55.8. The last 800 metres was run in 55.4.

“I’m just so proud of him again. He’s delivered yet again so late in his career.”

The Addington crowd were quick to acknowledge the great champion as he paraded in front of the stand.

“It’s such a great feeling to be part of this horse and I really appreciate the people that get behind him.”

The New Zealand Cup was a race the connections wanted to add to Leap To Fame’s very long list of top end achievements.

“I’ve grown up watching it and what a great day it is. I think it’s the pinnacle for me but everyone has their opinion. It’s the one I really wanted to win.”

Dixon’s wife Trista who plays a huge part in the Kevin and Kay Seymour owned entire was equally impressed and proud.

“It was just a tough run but honestly he loves that position,” she said.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink