In less than three weeks, the 2025 pacing season has already begun to heat up in Australia. Two of the most prominent half-brothers, Leap To Fame and Swayzee, are set to make their first appearances of the year. Despite both being absent from this weekend's prestigious Ballarat Cup, these champions have ambitious plans ahead. Swayzee is aiming for a $1 million bonus in the New South Wales Carnival of Cups series, while Leap To Fame returns after overcoming a health setback. Meanwhile, several other top pacers will compete in the Ballarat Cup, offering insights into the upcoming Hunter Cup.

Swayzee's Quest for Glory

As one of the leading figures in the Australian pacing scene, Swayzee is gearing up for an impressive run in the New South Wales Carnival of Cups series. The seasoned competitor has already secured victories in the first two legs, and his next challenge awaits at Tamworth on January 17th. With a relatively easy field of six opponents, Swayzee's trainer, Jason Grimson, is confident about securing another win and inching closer to a significant financial reward. The journey continues with subsequent races in Albury and Penrith, culminating in a potential $1 million prize if all five legs are won.

The seven-year-old pacer, known for its remarkable consistency, has established itself as a formidable force in the sport. Swayzee's success in the earlier legs of the series highlights his readiness for the challenges ahead. Trainer Grimson has strategically opted to bypass the Group 1 Hunter Cup on February 1st, focusing entirely on the lucrative bonus. This decision underscores the team's commitment to maximizing Swayzee's earnings and ensuring peak performance. With each victory bringing substantial rewards, the stakes are higher than ever for this seasoned champion. The anticipation builds as fans and insiders alike watch closely to see if Swayzee can achieve the unprecedented feat of winning all five legs and claiming the coveted million-dollar prize.

Leap To Fame's Comeback Journey

After battling a throat infection that sidelined him from major competitions late last year, Leap To Fame is making a much-anticipated return to racing. The now six-year-old stallion, under the guidance of trainer Grant Dixon, had not raced since October 26th. However, recent trials have shown promising signs, indicating that the champion is regaining his form. Dixon expressed cautious optimism, noting that Leap To Fame's trial performance was strong, with excellent heart rate recovery post-race, suggesting he is well-prepared for his comeback race at Albion Park.

Leap To Fame's career has been nothing short of stellar, boasting 44 wins from just 55 starts and nearly $3.25 million in prize money. Last year, he achieved an impressive 13-race winning streak, including victories in the Hunter Cup, Cranbourne Cup, Newcastle Mile, and Miracle Mile within a span of five weeks. As he prepares for this year's campaign, Dixon aims to replicate the successful program that led to these triumphs. If the upcoming race goes according to plan, Leap To Fame may head to Melbourne for the Hunter Cup, potentially stopping at Cranbourne and Newcastle to fine-tune his condition. The team remains focused on ensuring Leap To Fame reaches peak fitness for the crucial events ahead, setting the stage for another memorable season.