Luke McCarthy, Photo courtesy HRNSW. Photo by Brett Atkins
CHAMPION driver Luke McCarthy is growing in confidence he has the ideal horse and the right barrier draw to fill the one missing piece in his stellar career.
McCarthy, 42, who boasts almost 3000 wins and 79 at Group 1 level, trains and drives the exciting Don Hugo, a $2.60 favourite from an ideal barrier three in next Saturday night’s $500,000 Group 1 Inter Dominion pacing final (2300m) at Menangle.
In a career spanning 26 years, McCarthy has won three Miracle Miles and two Hunter Cups, but is winless in 11 attempts at Inter Dominion finals. He’s finished third on four occasions, the latest aboard For A Reason in 2015.
“I don’t really think about that stuff until after the big races, but the Inter Dominion is certainly a race everyone wants to win,” McCarthy said.
“Things have come together really well for this horse. I had him a bit underdone on opening night when he got beaten, but the run really brought him on and he was terrific winning at Bathurst (second heat) and better again last night (Menangle).
“He’s a stallion who comes through his races well and is really in the zone.
“He took the next step winning the TAB Eureka last campaign and has improved that bit more again since his little break after it, which is all you can ask for.
“The draw is a big help. I’ve said from night one Minstrel is the horse to beat in the series and Captains Knock is next best. I’m glad I’ve drawn the front row and they’re both off the back (Captain Knock barrier nine and Minstrel in 11).”
Under the conditions of the final, eight horses will start off the front row and four on the back.
“I’ve got every chance to be the first of the big guns to find the lead now and that’s a big help in any race,” McCarthy said.
In contrast to McCarthy’s long Inter Dominion history, Goulburn horseman Brad Hewitt will train and drive his first finalist with Captain Knock.
To cap a memorable series, Hewitt will have a second finalist on the night when his recent stable addition, The Locomotive, starts a hot favourite in the trotter’s final.
The Locomotive, the only pacer or trotter to go through the three rounds of heats unbeaten, is a commanding $1.55 favourite from an ideal gate four.
“It’s pinch yourself stuff,” Hewitt said. “We thought both horses were primed going into it, but to get through and have genuine hopes in both finals is a huge thrill.”
INTER DOMINION FINAL BARRIER DRAWS
PACERS
Front row: Jilliby Nitro ($9), Dangerous ($4.60), Don Hugo ($2.60), My Moonlite Dream ($16), Curly James ($12), Terry ($81), Jimartee ($101), Nerano ($26).
Back row: Captain Knock ($5.50), Max Delight ($18), Minstrel ($5.50), Petes Said So ($51). Emergencies: Cantfindabettorman, Perfect Stride.
TROTTERS
Front row: Toro Stride ($151), Aldebaran Vera ($26), Keayang Chucky ($5), The Locomotive ($1.55), Queen Elida ($6.50), Mufasa Metro ($26), Aldebaran Zeus ($31), Speedy Lover ($151).
Back row: Keayang Stuka ($51), Royal Dan ($41), Plymouth Chubb ($15), Parisian Artiste ($8.50). Emergencies: Courage Stride ($151), Constantinople ($151).
