Star juvenile star gaiter Not As Promised has already produced Group 1 glory on enemy territory and the Dwyer clan are now eager to do it on home soil during the Queensland Constellations carnival in 2024.
When an array of industry figures – including trainers, drivers and media members – were canvassed for their opinion on which locally-trained horse would win a Group 1 during the upcoming carnival, there was one consistent theme.
Grand Circuit superstar Leap To Fame was a popular choice from the group of around 20 people who offered their opinion.
As Leap To Fame is the reigning Inter Dominion and Miracle Mile champion, it is almost a given that he would grab another elite level triumph at Albion Park later this year.
So, of the brigade of selections that excludes Leap To Fame, the Graham Dwyer-prepared trotter Not As Promised was favoured to win a big-time event on home soil.
The North Maclean-based horseman enjoyed a magical ride with the two-year-old trotter in 2023.
Reinsman Nathan Dawson claimed an interstate Group 1 in the Haras Des Trotteurs Victoria Trotters Derby alongside Not As Promised.
It was Dwyer’s second Group 1 of the season and the win was the first time a Queensland-trained square gaiter has claimed success in the feature.
In November, Not As Promised claimed a second Group 1 trotting feature when scoring in the Breeders Crown at Melton, with Dawson and Dwyer combining once again.
There will be a glut of options for Not As Promised to win a local feature this winter after recently accepting an invite into the $150,000 Group 1 Haras Des Trotteurs The Great Square.
Dwyer’s son Layne – an emerging driver in his own right – has worked closely with the stable star and says it would be meaningful for the family to taste carnival success in their own backyard.
“It would be pretty special if he does,” Layne said.
“Hopefully he comes back well this season.
"Hopefully he comes back pretty well this season.”
The Dwyer-prepared Not As Promised had his first public appearance in the middle of last month at the trials since his stunning 2023 campaign.
Trainer Shawn Grimsey identified Not As Promised as his pick for carnival glory, as did local trainer and driver Trent Moffat.
“Outside of Leap To Fame, I think Graham Dwyer’s trotter Not As Promised, he has to be a good chance,” Grimsey said.
The 49-year-old Dwyer has his fingers crossed his trotter has come back even better as a three-year-old.
“We are hoping for one,” Graham said of his Group 1 ambitions.
The list of participants who selected Leap To Fame is a long one.
Champion driver Dawson, Sky Racing presenter and driver Brittany Graham, Grimsey, respected media member Dan Costello, as well as drivers and trainers Taleah McMullen, Dannielle Veivers, Jonah Hutchinson, Paige Bevan and Tim Gillespie, all went the way of the horse they call ‘Larry’.
A QBRED pacer who comes through the same form lines as Leap To Fame was another popular selection.
Frankie Ferocious finished just under seven metres behind Leap To Fame in the Miracle Mile and local driver Zac Chappenden thinks the Crosby family-owned and bred pacer can make waves in his Queensland return.
The 2024 The Rising Sun during the Queensland Constellations later this year will be a target for Frankie Ferocious after the team behind the gelding accepted an invite into the race.
“His run in the Miracle Mile was really good,” Chappenden said.
“He has been good since he went to Grimson and he has always been a good horse.
“I think he will be one to win one.”
A stable mate of Leap To Fame - Fate Awaits – is another that is likely to be a contender come the juvenile races through the carnival.
The young colt is undefeated in two career starts with Gillespie and Queensland harness racing form analyst Darren Clayton thinking the Grant Dixon newcomer will be a force.
The inaugural Ladbrokes Protostar could be an option for Fate Awaits.
“It may not be a Group 1 – lets see if it is – but for the new Protostar, Fate Awaits,” Clayton said.
“He has been might impressive and looks like a nice horse for the Dixons.”
