In a major coup for Western Australian harness racing, one of Australasia's premier pacers has been confirmed for the state's richest race nearly four months before the gates fly open.
Superstar Secures Slot for Gloucester Park Showdown
Don Hugo, a genuine Group 1 megastar who has conquered the sport's pinnacles by winning both the Inter Dominion and the Miracle Mile, will contest the $1.25 million Nullarbor (2536m) at Gloucester Park on April 17. His connections have inked a deal with slotholder Ladbrokes, making the five-year-old the first runner officially locked away for the coveted Group 1 feature.
Trainer and reinsman Luke McCarthy, who came agonisingly close to winning this year's Nullarbor when driving the Greg and Skye Bond-trained Gee Heza Sport to a second-place finish, is thrilled with the early confirmation.
"It's awesome to lock this in so early," McCarthy said. "As a trainer, knowing it's a done deal allows us to build everything around it, rather than having to worry about it close to the race. I love getting over to Perth when I've got the right horse and Don Hugo is certainly that. It looks a great race for him."
In Stellar Form Ahead of Perth Campaign
McCarthy believes the Nullarbor has rapidly ascended to become one of the most sought-after races on the calendar. "It'll be fantastic to have a horse in it, who I believe will be as hard to beat as any," he added.
The confidence is well-founded given Don Hugo's recent performances. Just a fortnight ago, he equalled the Albion Park track record in a stunning victory over the southern hemisphere's biggest name, Leap To Fame. The entire then showcased his elite condition with a blistering near-personal best run of 1:48.8 at Menangle on Saturday night, demolishing his rivals after taking a mid-race lead.
Owner Tony Licastro shares McCarthy's optimism about the horse's potential. "Luke and I don't think we've seen the best of Don Hugo yet, either," Licastro said. "He really just had this past year racing in the big league and achieved so much. We think his next year could be his best."
A Renewed Target for Kingstead Lodge
Licastro had originally planned to tackle this year's Nullarbor, leasing a slot under his Kingstead Lodge banner. While the replacement, Gee Heza Sport, performed admirably to finish second, Licastro is back with a singular focus and renewed hunger.
"We planned to do the slot race in NZ and come back to the Nullarbor, but he got sick after the NZ race and that changed everything," he explained. "This time it's all about Perth. That's our target. Now we can sit down and work out a program between now and the Nullarbor."
Licastro noted that defending the Miracle Mile crown is likely a top priority in their planning, given the race's suitability for Don Hugo. Currently rated an $8.50 chance by TABtouch, the star pacer is expected to firm significantly in betting markets following this confirmation.
Reflecting on his horse's achievements, Licastro expressed awe at competing against the legendary Leap To Fame. "Leap To Fame is as good a horse as I've seen and just to race him is a privilege… to beat him twice is amazing," he said.
