Don Hugo prepares for his Inter Dominion defence

Star New South Wales pacer Don Hugo (Art Major) started his preparation to defend his Inter Dominion title with an effortless harness racing win in the TAB Pace at Menangle Park on Saturday evening.

Starting from the outside of the front row Don Hugo mustered enough early speed to take up the early running from Major Hot and Dom Toretto.

Unchallenged in the lead, driver Luke McCarthy allowed Don Hugo to have as easy a run as possible but still permitted the five year old to stretch out running his last two seconds in each of 26.8 seconds which explains why he had most of his rivals on the bit.

At the finish Don Hugo had just under ten metres to spare over Dom Toretto with Don Hugo’s stablemate Major Perry finishing on for third.

It was a great night for McCarthy as it was third win on the evening having previously scored with Ubetcha Tigerpie and Eye Keep Smiling.

Don Hugo was resuming since his 4^th placing behind Leap To Fame in the Cambridge Slot event in New Zealand but although clearly outpointed by Leap To Fame there appeared to be an excuse as Luke McCarthy indicated that the horse was not himself.

DON HUGO JUN 7 REPLAY

While Don Hugo couldn’t have been more impressive in his first up effort, McCarthy knows that he will need to improve and will face much sharper opposition in the Inter Dominion including his nemesis Leap To Fame who just under an hour earlier had looked awesome winning off 30 metres at Albion Park.

Don Hugo’s  main challenge according to McCarthy will be handling the gruelling final distance of 3157 metres. However at Menangle over the 2300 metres Deon Hugo looked very comfortable in the lead and gives the impression that at his best he can run a strong staying event.

He has a great record in the big races and his clash with Leap To Fame is sure to be one of the highlights of what will be a memorable Inter Dominion series.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink