Having returned to racing in particularly competitive and consistent form this season, trainer Daryl Archard is confident classy gelding Leveraction is capable of a successful transition to 2000m for the first time competitively in Saturday’s Comic Court Handicap at Flemington.
Leveraction (inside) will step up to 2000m for the first time in Saturday’s Comic Court Handicap at Flemington. Photo: Sarah Ebbett
Currently amidst a long and busy campaign which has seen 17 competitive appearances on course since late April, Leveraction ran second in each of the Jerilderie Cup (1400m) and Gunblower Cup (1800m) in September and October, continuing to impress in winning the Country Cup Open (1600m) and placing second in each of the Donald Cup (1620m) and Winslow Group BM84 (1800m) at Sandown most recently.
Understandably pleased with the form and class displayed by the son of Top Echelon over recent starts, Archard told Racing Ahead he is confident Leveraction’s forward style will play favourably over 2000m and will find ideal running position early from the ideal barrier 5.
“He’s had a good prep; we can’t fault his consistency,” Archard said.
“He likes to get out there and bowl along and he’s nice and relaxed; he doesn’t get on the bit. Really happy to just roll forward.
“He’s fit, very fit and very well in himself, Linda (Meech, jockey) and Chris Symons (jockey) have both said he feels like the ideal 2000m horse and Chris has been trying to get me to go there for a while.
“The way he ran the 1800m the other day sort of indicated he might get to 2000, but we’ll wait and see.
“It’s a lovely gate for him and Lynda was suspended during the week and couldn’t ride him so we got Dwayne (Dunn) to jump on board for us.
“I reckon he’ll go good. He’s very well, honestly, he’s really good.”
Securing seven wins and a further 19 minor places over his 48 competitive starts so far, Leveraction began his racing career under the guidance of Sunshine Coast-based trainer Stewart Mackinnon before transferring to the care of Archard at the conclusion of his 2012 campaign.
Confirmed to line up alongside the likes of Dylanson, Taiyoo and Aurum Spirit, Leveraction is currently rated a $12 chance for success in the Comic Court Handicap with leading online bookie Ladbrokes Australia.
