From the Callers Box – July 2024

What a crazy world we live in!

As the national spotlight switches to Albion Park for the duration of July for the Constellations, some things may not be as they seem.

Many will ask – what on earth am I on about?

Fair call.

But, just maybe, following his shock defeat behind District Attorney in the Patrons Purse last month at Redcliffe, has the aura of invincibility surrounding Leap To Fame diminished on what we term the best pacer in the country? Perhaps the world over?

Is that crazy to think aloud?

It was one loss following 13 consecutive victories which included the harness racing ‘Triple Crown’ of Inter Dominion, Miracle Mile and Hunter Cup.

The dominance of ‘Larry’ over the sport during the past six months has been overwhelming and quite brutal, even for his most ardent supporters.

But seeing him run down after leading and setting soft fractions at Redcliffe opened the eyes of many, myself included.

Look, all champions get beat at some point during their careers, the likes of Blacks A Fake, Im Themightyquinn, Lazarus, Christian Cullen and even Popular Alm can attest to this, so ‘Larry’ is no different in that respect, but let’s face facts, life isn’t going to become any easier during the Brisbane winter carnival features this month.

The man that prepares District Attorney, Jason Grimson, has managed to beat ‘Larry’ twice now, the Patrons Purse and last years Blacks A Fake with Swayzee, so he clearly knows what he’s dealing with on the grand scale.

So, looking ahead, in races like the Sunshine Sprint and Blacks A Fake, just how many runners will Grimson start in these respective features?

Let’s discuss the options; reigning Blacks A Fake champion Swayzee, back-to-back feature race winner District Attorney, speed machine Hi Manameisjeff, Chariots winner Frankie Ferocious, Queen Elizabeth winner Aardies Express, dual Inter Dominion heat winner Nerano and maybe Hot And Treacherous plus Hector.

It’s quite a team.

Now, it’s unlikely they all start in the features, but many will.

The above-mentioned group are all richly talented types, certainly capable of beating or at the very least, making life difficult for the local champ ‘Larry’.

Could one man be the big disruptor to the ‘Larry’ Party?

Have I lost my marbles completely following the shock Redcliffe loss or does this simply allow Grant and Trista Dixon time to rethink and sharpen their focus on the bigger targets?

Let’s wait and see.

Strap yourself in and get ready for some super exciting racing during the Constellations at Albion Park this month.

Let’s Go Larry! We want More More More!

Enjoy the carnival.