Miracle Mile title defense officially on

SUPERSTAR Leap To Fame's Miracle Mile title defense is officially on.

Capturing last season's edition in brilliant fashion, Leap To Fame became the first pacer drawn wider than barrier six to win the Grand Circuit event since its inception in 1967.

Driven by trainer Grant Dixon, the son of Bettors Delight covered the 1609-metre trip in a slick 1:48.3.

Just as he did in 2024, Leap To Fame booked his berth into the $1million Garrard's-sponsored event by securing last night's Newcastle Mile.

As such, the stallion will return to Club Menangle on March 8 as he attempts to join a select fraternity of Miracle Mile winners which have completed consecutive victories in Australasia's premier sprint.

Westburn Grant was the ground breaker in 1989 and '90, with Chokin, Holmes D G, Sokyola, Be Good Johnny, Smoken Up and King Of Swing completing the 'Magnificent Seven'.

King Of Swing holds the distinction of being the only triple winner, having reigned supreme in 2020, '21 and '22.

Western Australian megastar Village Kid is the only other dual winner, having scored in 1986 and in 1987.

Village Kid finished third during the second Miracle Mile in 1986 won by Master Mood.

As for Leap To Fame's latest triumph, he worked to the lead from barrier five before scoring by seven metres from Max Delight, with Sure Thing Captain a half-head away third.

Covering the mile in 1:49 - 2.9 seconds quicker than last year - Leap To Fame took his record to 48 wins and 10 placings from 60 starts for earnings of $3,427,535.