Swayzee joins Aussie invasion for $1m The Race

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk  

The $1m The Race at Cambridge's Night of Champions is getting a Miracle Mile feel about it.

Today it's been confirmed that dual New Zealand Cup champion Swayzee will start in the big race on Friday, April 10 alongside superstar sibling and defending champion Leap To Fame as well as defending New Zealand Cup champion Kingman. Swayzee has been secured by well-known Kiwi owner Ronnie Dawe and Rakero Racing.

In recent days it was reported that Kingman had been withdrawn after running down the track in the Miracle Mile on Saturday night. But there's been a change of heart and he will take up the Harnesslink slot. Both Harnesslink and Kingman are owned by Mick Harvey.

Others confirmed for the big race include fellow Australian The Janitor for owner Craig Whiteoak as well as New Zealand Horse of the Year Republican Party (N40 Racing), 2024 champion Merlin (Montana Park) and We Walk By Faith for Dennis and Mark Dunford.

In Saturday night's Miracle Mile at Menangle in Sydney Leap To Fame produced one of his greatest performances to bring up his 66th career victory. His career earnings are now well over $6m. He is a $2 favourite to win his second The Race.

In the Miracle Mile The Janitor ($4FF for The Race) flashed home into second with Swayzee ($6FF) fourth.

While seven of the 10 slots for The Race are now in place, there are also two to be confirmed for the $530,000 Trot Slot.

Of the five runners, three of them are Australian with Keayang Zahara dominating the market. She's currently at $1.10 ahead of fellow Aussies Jilliby Ballerini ($10) and Gus ($12).  

They will be joined by  Oscar Bonavena (Mark Purdon and Chris Ryder) and Belle Neige (Yabby Dam Farms).

Muscle Mountain was also in the mix before he sustained a hairline fracture in his cannon bone. He's expected to be sidelined for the next few months. Cullen Breeding has yet to announce his replacement.

There are still three weeks to go before The Race and the Trot Slot and a fair degree of manoeuvring is expected between now and then.

The $1m The Race

N40 Racing - Republican Party
Rakero Racing - Swayzee
Dunfords - We Walk By Faith
Solid Earth Pty Ltd - Leap To Fame
Craig Whiteoak - The Janitor
Harnesslink - Kingman
Montana Park - Merlin
 
Rampant Pty Ltd - Captains Knock (Likely) 
Mark Purdon/Chris Ryder (To be confirmed)
Stonewall Stud TBC

The $530,000 Trot Slot

Mark Purdon/Chris Ryder - Oscar Bonavena
Keayang Farms - Keayang Zahara
Levarg Racing  - Jilliby Ballerini
Ross Patrick - Gus
Yabby Dam Farms  - Belle Neige

Rampant Pty Ltd TBC
Cullen Breeding TBC