Luke McCarthy and Don Hugo. Photo by Club Menangle - Pacepix
LEADING Sydney horseman Luke McCarthy is eyeing off a big night at Albion Park on Saturday, boasting anattractive list of drives on the opening night of the Inter DominionChampionships.
McCarthy has based his big contingent on the Gold Coast to campaign throughout the carnival, competing across a variety of races.
Yet his primary focus is on the pacers’ Inter Dominion with early betting posting his reigning champion Don Hugo as a firm second favourite.
McCarthy’s rich earner will clash with Queensland superstar Leap To Fame, the duo set to add another chapter to their already fierce on-track battle should they both make it through to the Grand Final.
Leap To Fame has drawn awkwardly in gate eight on the inside of the second row in heat three on Saturday while Don Hugo has a more favourable barrier 10 draw in heat two.
Two rounds of qualifying heats will culminate with the one million dollar final on July 19 and McCarthy believes he could not have Don Hugo in any better shape for Saturday’s assignment.
“He is happy, healthy and fit, and I can’t wait for the weekend,” said McCarthy.
“His two wins since coming back from a spell in Sydney were just what he needed to tighten up and he has settled in well after the trip here.
“So, I could not be happier with how he is.
“Hopefully we can get through the heats without any dramas and have him spot-on for the final in a fortnight.”
Joining Don Hugo in McCarthy’s Inter Dominion quest are two new recruits to his stable, namely Beach Ball and I Break The Line, who have both drawn handy enough in their respective heats.
While Don Lou, who is also raced by leading owner Tony Licastro, has made the trip north to compete in the series.
“They all deserve to be here,” said McCarthy.
“Beach Ball has performed well since joining our stable from New Zealand while I Break the Line was super winning at Menangle last week in his first start for us.
“Don Lou has trialled well since we took him over and has plenty of ability; he could be a sneaky chance to make the final.”
McCarthy’s lone representative in the trotters’ discipline is consistent squaregaiter Constantinople, who will start from gate 10 in heat two, chasing a spot in that $500,000 final.
