Leap To Fame: The Champion Pacer’s Return to Racing
Champion pacer Leap To Fame is set to make a highly anticipated return to the racetrack at Albion Park this Saturday night. As he prepares to elevate his already impressive career, owner Kevin Seymour has his sights firmly set on two prestigious titles that have eluded him: the Victoria Cup and the New Zealand Cup.
The Victoria Cup: A Major Target
The first major event on Leap To Fame’s radar is the $300,000 Group 1 Victoria Cup, often likened to the Cox Plate of harness racing. Scheduled for October 12 at Melton, this race represents a significant opportunity for the five-year-old pacer to cement his legacy. Last year, Leap To Fame faced a rare defeat in this event, finishing a close third as the hot favorite. That experience has shaped a new strategy for his connections as they aim for redemption this time around.
Learning from the Past
Reflecting on last year’s performance, Seymour noted that the team felt Leap To Fame wasn’t fully primed for the Victoria Cup. This year, they are determined to ensure he is in peak condition. To achieve this, they are considering a lead-up race at Melton, the $50,000 Smoken Up Sprint, which is set to take place a week before the Victoria Cup. “We’ll make a final decision after he runs at Albion Park this week, but we’re strongly leaning that way,” Seymour explained. This proactive approach aims to provide Leap To Fame with a solid race under his belt before tackling the Victoria Cup.
A History of Success
Leap To Fame’s last trip to Victoria was nothing short of spectacular. In February, he dominated the competition, securing victories in both the Group 1 Hunter Cup and the Group 2 Cranbourne. With an impressive record of 41 wins from just 52 starts and nearly $3.2 million in earnings, he is currently favored at $1.90 to add the Victoria Cup to his accolades.
The New Zealand Cup: A Future Goal
Following the Victoria Cup, Leap To Fame is also eyeing the $NZ1 million New Zealand Cup, scheduled for November 12 in Christchurch. Seymour has expressed a strong desire to take Leap To Fame across the Tasman for this prestigious event. “Unless something changes, he’ll go to NZ,” he stated. The New Zealand Cup holds a special place in the hearts of harness racing enthusiasts, and Seymour is eager for Leap To Fame to experience the rich history and passion for the sport in New Zealand.
A Perfect Fit for the Distance
Seymour believes that the two-mile (3200m) distance of the New Zealand Cup is particularly suited to Leap To Fame’s strengths as a stayer. “It’s a race that would also really suit him over the two miles because he’s such a great stayer,” he remarked. This insight into the horse’s capabilities highlights the strategic planning that goes into preparing for major races.
The Road Ahead
As Leap To Fame gears up for his return at Albion Park, the excitement surrounding his upcoming races continues to build. With a clear plan in place and a focus on ensuring he is in top form, both Seymour and the racing community are eager to see how this champion pacer will perform in the coming weeks. The anticipation for the Victoria Cup and the New Zealand Cup is palpable, and fans are ready to witness Leap To Fame’s quest for greatness unfold.
A Champion’s Journey
Leap To Fame’s journey is not just about the races; it’s about the passion, dedication, and strategic planning that goes into making a champion. With each race, he continues to inspire both his team and his fans, and as he prepares for this next chapter, the harness racing world watches with bated breath.