Not even barrier 1 should stop champ
Trainer-driver Grant Dixon initially shook his head in disbelief when Leap To Fame drew gate one in Saturday night's final at Albion Park after having barrier 8 [inside of the back row] in both qualifying heats.
"Most horses would love the pole, but it's the one draw we didn't want," he said.
That is because Leap To Fame has only average early gate speed and, if he is crossed at the start, traffic and luck in running becomes a potential issue in the $A1 million ($NZ1.1m) race.
But Dixon's initial look at the rivals drawn on the front row, eased his frustration somewhat.
"It's not a really fast front row. There's nothing explosive, who looks certain to get across us," he said.
"I think we're a chance to hold up and lead. That's what I'll be trying to do anyway.
"At least it's a real staying race [3157m] so if he is crossed, we've got plenty of time to find some clear air."
Leap To Fame eased from $1.10 to $1.25 after drawing the pole.
The 6-year-old has not been beaten at Albion Park since November 4, 2023. He has won 20 successive races at the track since.
Just as he did in the 2023 Brisbane Interdominion, Leap To Fame is aiming for a clean sweep after winning all his qualifying heats.
Leap To Fame missed last year's Sydney Interdominion through illness, which paved the way for Don Hugo to win.
Don Hugo then upset Leap To Fame in the Miracle Mile on March 8, but Leap To Fame has beaten him in all three other clashes, including last Saturday night's heat when Don Hugo had torrid run and tired for seventh.
Don Hugo has gate 6 and loads of early speed, but will trainer-driver Luke McCarthy dare to unleash him over an untried marathon distance?
Leap To Fame is one of three finalists for Dixon. His wife Trista will drive Aroda (gate 13) and Jack Chapple will partner Tims A Trooper (gate eight).
Queensland trainer Shannon Price said "ask me Thursday" who stable driver Adam Sanderson will partner out of Speak The Truth (gate 3) and Sure Thing Captain (12).
Menangle trainers Kerry Ann and Robbie Morris also have two runners, Cya Art (gate 4) and old marvel Petes Said So, who will contest his fourth consecutive grand final at his 215th start.
Victorian star Catch A Wave drew gate 7 and is a $21 shot. — HRNZ
By Adam Hamilton
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