McCarthy ready to tackle interstate riches again

Champion harness racing reinsman Luke McCarthy is gearing up for another interstate raid.

The New South Wales-based driver is making his way down to Victoria today (Sep. 22) for what looks to be a big three weeks south of the border.

“I love the racing down there,” said McCarthy.

“Victoria has been good to us over the years.”

The Victoria and Hunter Cups are just some of the major features McCarthy has had success in Victoria in recent years.

The 39-year-old’s most immediate task will be the $80,000 Kilmore Cup on Friday night (Sep. 23) with Mach Shard (Mach Three).

Having not started since his sixth in the Blacks A Fake Championship on July 23, McCarthy is pleased with how he is progressing this preparation.

“Mach Shard is really good,” said McCarthy.

“He’s been working awesome.

“He has been working up with Expensive Ego and he just came out and won first up at Menangle last Saturday night so there’s credit in their work.”

Mach Shard has drawn barrier three for the Group 2.

McCarthy will also drive last-start Menangle winners Major Jellis at Kilmore.

McCarthy’s wife, Belinda McCarthy, trains both pacers.

The stable will return to Victoria the following week for the heats of the Victoria Derby and Oaks at Melton.

“We’ve got two horses aimed at the Derby with Cantfindabettorman and Mr Ibiza,” said McCarthy.

“I just love Cantfindabettorman and he was impressive winning at Menangle last week.

“Mr Ibiza is another horse I’ve always liked.

“He’s taken a bit to work out but we are on top of him now and he has so much speed.

“He had a good hit-out at the trials at Menangle on Wednesday.

“He went 1:50.4 so the fact that he’s gone that time shows he’s pretty handy.

“We’re also aiming Cover Girl at the Oaks.

“She will race at Newcastle on Friday against the older horses and should go well.”

The following week at Melton is the $300,000 Victoria Cup (October 8) where the McCarthy stable will add horses such as Expensive Ego and Spirit Of St Louis to the interstate raid.

For complete Friday Kilmore race fields, click here.

by Amanda Rando, for Harnesslink