LEAP TO FAME ON TARGET
The quest to secure successive Miracle Mile victories remains achievable for Leap To Fame after the champion secured the first spot in the 2025 Grand Circuit event.
In his first race appearance since gaining Queensland Harness Hall of Fame status, the six-year-old produced a monster mile at Newcastle to land his place in the March 8 feature.
Continuing to press forward as the mobile pulled away from the field, it took almost 600 metres before Grant Dixon had his star in front.
Putting on an exhibition of pure speed and stamina, Leap To Fame became the first horse to go sub 1.50 on the Newcastle track, shaving 1.5 seconds off the track record with his 1.49.0 time.
The win also elevated Leap To Fame into the top five richest pacers of all-time in Australasia, going past King Of Swing, as his earnings moved to $3.4 million.
The Shannon Price-trained Sure Thing Captain held on for third after racing in the trail and will likely head to the Miracle Mile qualifiers to force his way into the $1 million Grand Circuit event.
Charge Ahead, a stablemate of Leap To Fame, will also chase Menangle feature race success.
The four-year-old forced his way into the Chariots Of Fire field on Saturday night and with the barrier draw completed on Monday, will start from barrier five.
The Janitor will be relying on a scratching after being named as the first emergency.
The Chantal Turpin-trained four-year-old attacked the line strongly to finish fifth in the Paleface Adios Stakes.
THIS WEEK
Racing will return to 'The Creek' for nine races on Tuesday.
Not As Promised steps out in the first race of the day, with a potential Sydney trip for the Hammerhead Mile depended on his performance.
Redcliffe will host their regular Wednesday and Thursday meetings, while this Sunday Marburg host their first meeting of 2025.
Interstate action will showcase the Chariots Of Fire and Sprint qualifiers for the Miracle Mile, along with heats of the NSW Derby, with strong Queensland representation.