Draw to help Don instigate surprise hit on rivals

AS HIS ‘north valley’ campaign continues, Don Hugo is in a prime position to instigate a surprise hit on his rivals during the weekend.

Trained in New South Wales by Belinda McCarthy, Don Hugo was sent to Queensland with several majors in mind.

Ironically, Saturday night’s The Rising Sun, in which the son of Art Major and Cinco Amigos is engaged, was not originally part of Don Hugo’s agenda.

According to owner Tony Licastro, the gelding was being set for another feature on the stellar Albion Park card, the South East Derby!

To Licastro’s delight, Don Hugo will not only contest the $350,000 Group One, he has drawn perfectly in the pole.

“I’m rapt to say the least,” Licastro said. “I’m excited to just be in the race to be honest, but it is great to draw the pole.

“We were originally looking at the Derby, so to have him in the main event is mind-blowingly amazing for me as an owner as I’ve been in the industry for more than 20 years and this is the biggest race I’ve been in.”

Set to make the trip from Sydney to watch the youngster compete, Licastro is well aware of the monumental task ahead.

“It is always going to be hard for any three-year-old in any year in that race as the four-year-olds are more seasoned and stronger,” Licastro declared.

“Although it is such a big race, I’m not going into it feeling all that nervous as there are no expectations on him.

“He’s only lightly-race and as I said, being a three-year-old already makes it harder.

“I’m hoping he can get the suck along the pegs and maybe run a placing.”

Don Hugo is part of the three member cartel McCarthy has in the 2138-metre clash, with the premier horsewoman also represented by Rocknroll Hammer and Cantfindabettorman.

The only other three-year-old in the field, Rocknroll Hammer has drawn barrier two, with Cantfindabettorman to come from gate five.