McCarthy has selected his Eureka drive

Champion harness racing driver Luke McCarthy has gone with Don Hugo (Art Major) in quest to successfully defend his title in the world’s richest harness race.

McCarthy, 41, teamed with trainer Emma Stewart and star mare Encipher to win last year’s inaugural $2.1mil TAB Eureka.

A winner of almost 3000 races and 79 at Group 1 level, McCarthy has to choose between Don Hugo and top class mare Eye Keep Smiling in Saturday’s race. He trains them both.

“It’s been one of the hardest calls I’ve had to make,” he said. “Not just because it’s such a big race, but the fact it’s so hard to split the pair.

“Both are right at the top of their game and have terrific winning chances in what looks a really open and even Eureka.

“I’ve gone with Don Hugo, but it wouldn’t surprise me at all if the mare won.”

McCarthy said Eye Keep Smiling’s owner-breeder Jackie Gibson and slot owner Wayne Loader (Western Jewel) would settle on the driver for the four-year-old late today (Wednesday).

“It’s up to them. I told them I’d decided to go with Don Hugo this morning,” he said. “Jack Callaghan would certainly be in the mix to drive the mare, but it’s their decision to make.”

McCarthy has deliberately kept both pacers fresh after long and successful Brisbane winter campaigns.

“That was the plan. They’ve had a great foundation and I’ve been able to keep them up to the mark with trials and a private workout at Menangle last weekend. It’s better than risking a really tough run in a lead-up race,” he said.

“They’re both ready. They worked really strongly together at Menangle last weekend and finished off in 25.4sec.

“I don’t think I could have them any better going into it.

“It’s a thrill to have two runners in such a big race and it’s a different feeling to last year when there was no pressure on me. I just picked up the drive on Encipher and she was an outsider. Everyone was watching Leap To Fame and Catch A Wave last year.

“There’s more pressure and expectation this time.”

Latest TAB markets have Don Hugo at $5.50 and Eye Keep Smiling an $11 shot.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Adam Hamilton, for The Eureka