Royally-bred filly crosses the Tasman to NZ

Presenter-driver-trainer Brittany Graham knows a thing or two about racing on both sides of the Tasman and now that the Queenslander is working for Trackside in this country she's (reluctantly) agreed to write a weekly column.

By Brittany Graham 

When it comes to precious standardbred cargo, maybe the most valuable in modern times is due to arrive in Canterbury today.

The Bettor's Delight weanling, a full sister to Leap To Fame, and half relation to Swayzee, is bound for New Zealand soils to continue what is developing into an incredible legacy.

Lettucereason (the filly's dam) has been an astonishing producer after a successful race career herself, which netted 17 wins and $180,000 in prize money. 

In the breeding barn, she has had six foals of racing age, with four making it to the track. These four pacers have banked in excess of $7,300,000 with the promise of more to come.

Leap To Fame leads the charge as the now greatest stake earner of all time in the Southern Hemisphere at $4.6m, while Swayzee has banked over $2 million and is aiming up at a third consecutive New Zealand Cup in November.

Maximus Red won close to half a million in a glittering dual hemisphere career, while the next generation stepped out at Menangle on Tuesday.

American Ideal two-year-old filly Senses won on debut at Menangle in impressive fashion for trainer David Thorn. Older brother Swayzee also won his first race day appearance at Sydney’s premier track, while both Maximus Red and Leap To Fame were beaten at start one.  
 
Now New Zealand is hopeful of experiencing the next chapter after owner Jim Haines secured the weanling filly out of Lettucereason earlier this year.

Haines has invested heavily in an exceptional line up of fillies in recent years, with a view to breeding from the ‘blue bloods’ for future generations.

Mark Jones will be the man tasked with getting the very best out of the filly on the racetrack, to hopefully add to her immense residual value.

“I am very lucky to be having such well-bred stock come through my gate, but this filly is next level” he said.

“It also comes with a level of pressure, but I enjoy a challenge!”

Jones also paid thanks to several who helped to get the ‘deal done’ including the Kahlefeldts who bred, weaned and then sold the filly.

The filly will head South for a ‘sales like prep’ with Chelsea Faithful before returning to Overport Lodge to be broken in early in 2026.

And then? Well the world is her oyster.