Hunter on target for Final

EXCITING youngster Don Hunter firmed as a clear favourite for next week’s Australian Pacing Gold Final with his strong victory at Club Menangle yesterday.

Contesting a prelude of the APG Sales-based series, Don Hunter produced a strong performance to outstay his rivals despite being first-up from a spell.

The Luke McCarthy-trained son of Huntsville was given a break following his Bathurst Gold Crown Consolation victory on March 28.

Impressed with Don Hunter’s effort, McCarthy is positive the two-year-old can secure the $100,000 Final at the world class venue on June 13.

“He’s a fair horse,” McCarthy said. “He was in need of the run yesterday but still out-toughed them.

“He’ll be better again for the Final and will take a lot of beating.”

With McCarthy in the cart, Don Hunter began well to find the pegs from barrier two before gaining a trail behind Lochinvar Jazz, which led from gate five.

Dashing to the front at the top of the home straight, the colt staved off a determined challenge from Wicked Motion to score by head, with Revvin Reynard 10 metres away third.

Covering the mile in 1:54.4, Don Hunter took his record to three wins and a third from four starts for earnings of $39,940.