As another Inter Dominion chapter unfolds, what a contrast we have between the two finals.

Regardless of a tricky pole draw, Leap To Fame looks a suburb ahead of his rivals in the $1 million Ladbrokes Inter Dominion pacing final.

As top jockey and harness fan Craig Newitt tweeted after the draw: “You could start him at Eagle Farm and he’ll still beat ‘em.”

Newitt’s right. Leap To Fame is just different gravy.

If he’s been a standout for a couple of years, it’s now become utter dominance.

Larry won both heats by big margins in the fastest times of the night and without leaving second gear.

He’s won 20 races in a row at his home track, Albion Park, where this final is and hasn’t been beaten there since November 4, 2023.

We all love a great contest and Leap To Fame has had many of them (and won most), but this looks as close to a formality as feature races can get.

Don’t bemoan that.

The history of our biggest races can provide a mix of fantastic clashes, but also moments of greatness to treasure.

Think Winx winning those third and fourth Ladbrokes Cox Plates $1.18 and $1.24 respectively.

You didn’t hear anyone complaining she was so short.

Instead, her record-breaking haul in one of the world’s greatest races was the story.

History of a different sort awaits Leap To Fame this Saturday.

For all the champions to come before him, none will have banked as much prize money as Leap To Fame if he adds a second Inter Dominion title.

And it’s not as if prize money has soared over the years. In many cases it’s less than what the champs raced for in the biggest races in the early 2000s.

We’re blessed to have watched his career unfold and, unlike many thoroughbred stars, for him to race year-after-year. He’s into his fifth season and with at least another one to come.

It seems like yesterday I stood against the fence at the 150m mark and looked back at the packed Albion Park grandstand as they roared and stood to their feet when Leap To Fame went for home rounding the final bend in the 2023 final.

I want that moment again. I’ll stand in the same spot and can’t wait.

Back in 2023 at The Creek we had champions win both Grand Final with Just Believe victorious in the trotters’ decider.

Although we don’t have a champion this year, it provides the yin and the yang for the pacing final because it shapes as such a fantastic contest.

Can Arcee Phoenix lead from the pole or will Bet N Win spear across at the start?

Will the resurrected Parisian Artiste build on that fantastic heat win last Saturday and use his great draw to cause a minor upset and fairytale win for new mum Tayla French and Albie Ashwood?

Wouldn’t it be something if old Oscar Bonavena, who only made the final because of the new bonus points, could ice his amazing career with victory.

And what about the talented problem children Gus and London To A Brick.

For sheer talent, Gus may be the best trotter in it, but will he do it all right and can he give away that sort of start with favourites Arcee Phoenix and Bet N Win right up on the speed.

London To Brick is also out the back after his opening night blunder and will need lots to go right to win from there.

Queensland has rejuvenated the Inter Dominion with big prize money boosts and this July timeslot.

It’s been rewarded with two contrasting but great finals.

Bring it on.

 

Photo: The Creek