Quick visit home before heading interstate again

IN WHAT shapes as a quick return home, Don Hugo will attempt to break his local drought this weekend.

Fresh from his success in the Group One Blacks A Fake in Queensland a fortnight ago, Don Hugo will contest the free-for-all at Club Menangle on Saturday night.

As such, the Luke McCarthy-trained stallion is aiming for his first home state win in six months!

Don Hugo’s previous New South Wales victory was at the world class venue on June 14.

“It’s been a busy year for him as he has done a lot of travelling,” McCarthy said. “He’s done well since his win at Albion Park and this race fits in well moving forward.

“Plus his owner Tony (Licastro) is sponsoring the meeting through his Ultra Air company, including the free-for-all, so it’s a night Tony is hoping to enjoy.

“This may even be his last start here for a while as we are weighing up the options of heading to Victoria with him, but nothing is set yet.

“Whatever he does it will be all about having him here and primed to defend the Miracle Mile he won last March.”

To be driven by McCarthy, Don Hugo will begin from barrier 10 over a mile, with TAB Fixed Odds listing the son of Art Major as a $1.30 favourite.

Poised to make his Australian debut, Rakero Rocket is considered the biggest threat at $3.70 from gate nine.

Unplaced during his last three starts on the Shaky Isle, the Group One winner has joined Jason Grimson’s stable.