The start was as clean as they get and the nine horses charged onto the track.

All relatively evenly matched, Black Fusion had to battle for position through every metre.

“We began the race better than I expected and he put himself into a very prominent position,” said jockey Michael Travers.

The pack fought along the back stretch and no single horse looked to have a clear shot at leading the pack across the line.

“He put the pressure on at the 600,” Travers said.

“The second horse went straight past him and I thought if we can just hang around for a place I’ll be happy.”

After exiting the final turn onto the home straight, Black Fusion and Peltier were neck and neck with every stride.

The pack crossed the line and cheers rose from the crowd from both those who’d had the perspective of looking across the line to see the victor and from those who truly appreciated a close race.

In the final paces Black Fusion dug deep and was able to lean far enough across to claim the Leeton Cup in an incredibly close race.

“He put his head out at just the right time,” Travers said.

“We entered the race just hoping to win a place.

“He did very very well, he was the strongest horse on the line and he got the money.”

The win was Black Fusion’s second in his short career, and to the surprise of trainer Scott Spackman.

“This horse has been very frustrating,” Spackman said.

“But he’s put two together now so I think he’s turned the corner and is all good.”

After Black Fusion’s performance in the Leeton Cup, Spackman feels the horse has potential.

“We’re going to push him a little bit now and see if he can get it,” Spackman said.

The win also came as a surprise to Travers, but for an entirely different reason.

“I was meant to be home babysitting my two year-old today,” Travers said.

“Mick convinced me that this was a better option.

“It worked out better this way, the babysitter came cheap.”

The win was one of the closest races that day.