Don Hugo winning the 2024 TAB Eureka
Saturday night’s PJ Hall Free For All received an added boost with Interdominion and Miracle Mile winner Don Hugo joining the strong ten horse field.
And the $2.5 million dollar earner has been given the ideal opportunity to bounce back into the winner’s circle after drawing perfectly in gate two under the random barrier draw conditions of the race.
Trainer and regular driver Luke McCarthy will not partner Don Hugo on Saturday night due to his commitment to drive his stablemate Kingman in the $100,000 Ballarat Cup.
It is likely that talented young reinsman Jack Callaghan who recently returned to New South Wales and is working part-time for McCarthy will get the call up to drive Don Hugo.
Despite his last start defeat, McCarthy is pleased with the way his pacer pulled up and has worked since finishing second to Swayzee in the Goulburn Cup on January 2.
“His run at Goulburn was huge, he and Swayzee put on a great show for the punters,” said Luke.
“I am really happy with his work since then, it has been super.”
“Unfortunately, though I cannot be in two places at one time, so I won’t be at Menangle to drive him, but I am excited to see how he shapes up in that race.”
If Don Hugo can win, it is certain that he will not get things all his own way.
The Jason Grimson trained speed machine Rakero Rocket who was simply dazzling when posting a fast time last start has drawn to his inside in gate one with Cam Hart in the sulky.
The former Kiwi led against a similar field to score clearly over the mile, stopping the clock in 1:47.3 which is the second fastest time recorded in Australasia.
Horses like Ubetcha Tigerpie, Nyack and Max Delight are also engaged in the field and have all been racing well and will make their presence felt.
A seven-race program will be conducted at Penrith tonight with the Tim Lemon Memorial being the feature.
One of Penrith’s leading trainers over the past few seasons, Troy Williams appears set for another successful night, the locally based horseman having eight pacers engaged throughout the meeting.
In the opening event, Williams will be represented by two runners namely Flo Ryda to be driven by Josh Gallagher and Stormtide with Robbie Morris in the gig, both geldings boasting solid form.
