First step towards major title defence

SUPERSTAR pacer Leap To Fame will take the first step towards his Miracle Mile defence this week.

Just as he was last season, Leap To Fame is engaged in Friday night's Newcastle Mile, which offers the winner a 'golden ticket' into the $1million Garrards-sponsored major at Club Menangle on March 8.

The Grant Dixon-trained stallion worked to the lead from barrier five during last season's Newcastle Mile before cruising to a 1:51.9 victory.

Fresh from his Cranbourne Cup triumph - which he also won in 2024 - a fortnight ago, Leap To Fame will begin from barrier five again.

TAB Fixed Odds have the son of Bettors Delight listed as a $1.28 favourite, with evergreen veteran Max Delight considered the main danger at $7.50.

Max Delight gave his younger rivals a pacing lesson at Club Menangle last weekend when he blazed over the 1609-metre sprint in 1:48.8.

Amazingly, the time was a personal best for the David Aiken-trained nine-year-old!