Swayzee returns to winning form in typical tough effort

Iron horse Swayzee (Rock N Roll Heaven) showed he is far from a spent force with a courageous harness racing win in the Kevin Robinson Free For All at Menangle on Saturday night and in doing so enhance his prospects for the forthcoming New Zealand Pacing Cup.

Returning from an unsuccessful Victorian campaign, Swayzee was on trial for the New Zealand Cup and the Menangle Free For All was regarded as his best opportunity for a return to form.

Not showing any dash early Swayzee settled back about fifth as Heza Punk Rocker crossed over ahead of Golly Gee Fellas. However driver Cameron Hart wasn’t going to allow himself to be pocketed and he gradually moved up to face the breeze.

SWAYZEE 24 OCT REPLAY

The field packed up as they left the back straight and Swayzee seemed to be making heavy weather of it as Golly Gee Fellas was looking for a run. Ripp was starting to make a run but showing all of his characteristic courage Swayzee held off his opponents to defeat Golly Gee Fellas and Ripp and in doing so running a very credible 1.48.9.

It’s taken a while this time in for Swayzee to hit the winning trail and the eight year old gelding hadn’t won since last February when he won the Hunter Cup at Melton.

Swayzee has won the New Zealand Cup on two previous occasions in 2023 and 2024 and in this year’s edition he’s likely to face his illustrious half brother Leap To Fame but he knows the Christchurch circuit well and he’ll be right into contention.

Swayzee’s win last night was his 35^th from 84 starts and just over $2.664 million in stake money.

Swayzee’s win was the fourth leg of a winning quartet for Cameron Hart as earlier in the evening he saluted aboard Bartello (Mr Feelgood) and then Stripes (Tiger Tara).

Then in the final event he guided I Got Chills (Art Major) to a narrow win over Buzz Bomb in a driving finish.

 

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink