Superstar claims slice of history

BECOMING just the second dual Cranbourne Cup winner moments ago, superstar Leap To Fame will now be given the opportunity to join a very select group of champions next month.

Successfully defending the title he secured in the provincial feature last season, Leap To Fame is the first to win the Cup on consecutive occasions since its inauguration in 1973.

Former iron-horse Golden Reign won the 1994 Cup before overcoming a 50-metre handicap to capture the 1997 edition.

As for his pending attempt at greatness, Leap To Fame will aim to retain the Miracle Mile crown he landed in 2024.

Only seven Miracle Mile winners have managed successive wins in the Grand Circuit event since 1967.

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 the second running in 1987.

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

As for Leap To Fame, the Grant Dixon-trained stallion will head to Club Menangle for the Miracle Mile qualifiers on March 1.

The $1million Garrards Miracle Mile is scheduled for the following week.

"I was very happy with his run tonight," Dixon said. "The track was pretty soft and there was a strong wind, but I was pleased with the way he went about it.

"We'll be going up to Menangle now to get ready for the Miracle Mile in a few weeks."