Bold tactics pave way for upset
BOLD tactics and a well-thought plan paved the way for an upset in last night's Albury Cup.
Aware of just what his best chances of victory were, David Moran adopted similar actions used by Swayzee's connections to capture the Hunter Cup a fortnight ago to bring about the star's demise.
During the Grand Circuit event Swayzee was sent to the lead as soon as possible while making his main danger and younger half-brother, Leap To Fame, work overtime while chasing hard in track record time.
Swayzee beat Leap To Fame by a head in 1:51.9 for the 2760-metre journey, cutting 1.3 seconds from Tiger Tara's track record established in the 2019 Hunter Cup.
Driving his stable flagship Captain Hammerhead, Moran quickly searched for the front before also embarking on a 'catch me if you can' mission.
"Being on such a small,tight track I knew it was our only chance really," Moran said. "I had to try and stay in front of Swayzee at all times and keep him running.
"It worked out for us this time, but it would have been a lot different on a bigger track.
"In fact, if the straight was another 50 metres longer, he probably would have beaten us."
By leading throughout, Captain Hammerhead scored by a neck from Swayzee, with Cya Art 15-and-a-half metres away third.
The son of Captaintreacherous rated 1:57.1 over 2570 metres, slashing 2.9 seconds off Glenledi Elvis' track record set in last year's Albury Cup.
"Like I said, these little tracks can bring any horse which is made to chase undone and we were just lucky to get to the front when we did," Moran said.
"I'm rapt for Dominic and Rose Martello (owners) who put a lot of money into the game and deserve any success they get.
"We'll go to Menangle next for the Miracle Mile heats in a couple of weeks where it will be a lot harder to beat a horse like Swayzee on such a spacious track, even if we are in front and running along."
HOOFNOTE: Swayzee's defeat has cost connections the opportunity to claim a whopping $1million bonus.
Harness Racing New South Wales promised the mouth-watering amount to the owners of any pacer which completed a clean sweep of the Carnival of Cups series.
There is also a $500,000 bonus for any pacer which wins four and a $250,000 bonus for three wins.
With three victories already posted, Swayzee can still aim for a fourth in Penrith on March 14.
