Dragon Leap is Back on Track

Comeback galloper Dragon Leap returns to the races for only the second time since February 2020 when he contests Saturday's Gr1 Tarzino Trophy at Hastings. The now 5YO was one of New Zealand's top 3YOs and a leading fancy for the Gr1 New Zealand Derby after successive Gr2 victories in the Auckland Guineas and Avondale Guineas respectively. But the 2400m proved a bridge too far for the Lance O'Sullivan and Andrew Scott-trained galloper, and while finishing a game fourth, the Pierro gelding will unlikely be stretched to such a distance again. Despite only racing once since, when finishing eighth in the Gr2 Tramway Stakes in Sydney last spring, punters have shown their respect for Dragon Leap's ability by installing him a $5.50 equal third favourite for the Tarzino. "He is as forward as we can get him with one trial and the work-outs that he has received," Andrew Scott said. According to NZ Racing Desk, Dragon Leap wrenched a fetlock in Sydney in the spring and after rehabilitating from that setback, ventured to Brisbane in the winter but wasn't sighted on raceday.