Easy money for Swayzee

IT TOOK little more than a track workout for Swayzee to secure the first stage of Harness Racing New South Wales' lucrative bonus last night.

By capturing the Tamworth Cup, Swayzee registered his third win in the five-race Country Of Cups circuit, which earned connections a $250,000 bonus on top of the $32,700 stake!

Winning the opening leg in Parkes on September 20, the Jason Grimson-trained son of Rock N Roll Heaven then annexed the Cherry City Cup in Young on November 8.

In what can only be described as a phenomenal promotion, the governing body has promised a mouth-watering $1million bonus to the connections of any pacer which completes 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.

Driven by Cameron Hart, Swayzee was given time to settle from his second row draw before being sent to the lead during the middle stages.

With the remainder of the $60,000 feature becoming a procession, Swayzee strode to a three-metre win from Cya Art.

Master Catch was three metres away third in 1:58.3 over 2360 metres.

Albury will host the fourth leg on February 14, with Penrith's Renshaw Cup on March 14 shaping as the ultimate race for the $1million.

HOOFNOTE: Master Catch's driver, Seaton Grima, was suspended for 14 days after causing interference to Cya Art which forced the latter to be checked and race roughly as he was issuing a challenge leaving the back straight.