Don Hugo’s stirring win in 1.49.2

Trainer Luke McCarthy would have been pleased with the performance of his star pacer Don Hugo (Art Major) who scored the narrowest of wins in the Ule Hoof Oil Pace at Menangle on Saturday night.

Although drawn wide Don Hugo was installed a hot favourite given the late scratching of his main rival Captains Knock and he was freshened up after his first up fifth in a free for all at Menangle two weeks ago.

And he meant business at the start when he worked his way across to head off the inform Nyack who elected to take the trail. The mare Lux Aeterna settled back in third place while Pinseeker was towards the rear of the field. Pinseeker worked off the fence to gradually move up.

DON HUGO 20 JUN REPLAY

But Don Hugo and Nyack cleared right away from their opponents off the back straight as the third quarter was reeled off in 27.7 seconds. Nyack peeled off the fence on straightening. Momentarily it looked as if he might race past Don Hugo but the latter fought back grimly and the two were locked together as they raced towards the line.

There was uncertainty as they crossed the line but Don Hugo was able to win by a short half head over a determined Nyack with Lux Aeterna in third place.

Overall Don Hugo ran 1.49.2 for the mile so he’s coming good at the right time. A two time winner over Leap To Fame in Grand Circuit racing Don Hugo is ready to give yet another strong showing in the Inter Dominion.

Nyack is racing in top form and he’s showing enough to suggest he can at least win a Heat of Inter Dominion.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink