Are the Aussie stars good or bad for the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup?

[Wandering Eyes]

With nominations for the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup closing yesterday it was confirmed that Aussie superstars Leap To Fame and two-time champion Swayzee are heading to Addington for their $1m showdown on Tuesday, November 11.

Trackside presenter Brittany Graham has seen the dynamic duo in action plenty of times – so what does the now Kiwi-based Aussie make of it all?

By Brittany Graham

Larry and Lenny are New Zealand-bound once more – and it’s game on for all.

Leap To Fame and Swayzee have dominated the Grand Circuit scene in Australasia, particularly over staying distances, in the last three seasons and the brotherly rivalry looks set for a $1m rematch on Tuesday November 11 at Addington Raceway.

While some may think their addition could potentially ‘scare off’ rivals, I think it should do quite the opposite.

Their toughness and racing style make them feared, and often their rivals are forced into submission. With Swayzee in the last two New Zealand Cups and Leap To Fame in this year’s Inter Dominion they were both allowed to find the lead with little resistance.

With both of them in the Cup field the pressure intensifies to another level, and it’s hard to see any easing of the pace and any horse just dominating from the front.  

That scenario was on full display earlier this year in the A G Hunter Cup when the duo went to war in a new track record time for 2760 metres, and despite running the quinella, they only held slender margins to the likes of Republican Party and Tact Mcleod who were closing late.

Add to the mix a lack of ideal lead up races for the Australian contingent with the only two Group 1 open company contests (the Len Smith Mile and Victoria Cup), alongside the travel requirements, the locals are still very much in the game.

Its shaping as a trans-Tasman rivalry for the ages, and it’s anyone’s trophy to take.

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