Don Hugo looks awesome in 1.49 win

New South Wales leading contender for the Inter Dominion Pacing Championship Don Hugo (Art Major) continues to show ominous form and again showed his dominance with a devastating all the way harness racing win in the Listed Golden Mile classic at Menangle on Saturday evening.

In a small field of only seven runners, Don Hugo did not disappoint his supporters when from his wide barrier raced clear of Captain Ravishing who showed speed from the pole.

Luke McCarthy allowed the handsome five year old entire to stride along and run his quarters in 26.8, 28.9, 27.8 and 26.1 seconds which gave those behind little chance of catching him.

McCarthy’s other runner Beach Ball finished 17 metres behind with Captain’s Knock edging out Captain Ravishing for third.

Don Hugo’s brilliant speed is his main attribute but McCarthy is well aware that the Inter Dominion Final of 3157 metres will require tough staying qualities.

DON HUGO JUN 14 REPLAY

However Don Hugo keeps getting better with age and he is bound to be in top condition for the Series and peaking for the Final. Still it will be no mean task for Don Hugo to tackle Leap To Fame and their impending clash should they both make the Final will be worthy of national attention.

Meanwhile New South Wales leading trotting contender London To A Brick had to settle for second when runner up to grand eight year old Constantinople (Trixton) in the Pryde’s Stamina trotters Free For All at Menangle on Saturday evening.

Showing early speed from the mobile Constantinople was taken to the lead by Luke McCarthy. In contrast James Rattray on the favourite London To A Brick wisely allowed his horse to settle down before sending him around to race outside the leader.

Constantinople who had some backing trotted faultlessly in the lead but London To a Brick looked ominous as these two moved away from the rest of the field on straightening.

However London To A Brick couldn’t bridge the gap and Constantinople held on to win by just under three metres with Toro Stride third.

Despite the loss London To A Brick will still make his presence felt in the forthcoming Inter Dominion series as he is a tough performer and races well at Albion Park. Constantinople is also Inter Dominion bound and he can’t be dismissed during the series.

Constantinople’s win completed a wonderful night for McCarthy with four winners. In addition to Don Hugo, Dynamite Dan and Constantinople he was successful in the opening event with star three year old Hesitate (Sportswriter) who will also be Queensland bound.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink