McCarthy Torn Between Two Pacers for TAB Eureka

CHAMPION driver Luke McCarthy is in no rush to lock-in which pacer he drives in a quest to successfully defend his TAB Eureka crown.

McCarthy, who boasts almost 3000 wins and 79 at Group 1 level, teamed with Emma Stewart’s star mare Encipher to win last year’s inaugural TAB Eureka at Menangle.

McCarthy trains two confirmed runners in Saturday week’s race – Don Hugo and Eye Keep Smiling – and admits it’s a “very tough call.”

“There’s really not much between them,” he said. “I’ve told the connections of both horses I’m going to wait for the barrier draw.

“We know Eye Keep Smiling has to draw well as a mare, but I’m keen to see where Don Hugo lands.

“It’s a good problem to have, having two genuine winning hopes in such a big race.”

McCarthy confirmed both horses would not race again before the TAB Eureka.

“No, they’re pretty much primed,” he said. “They stayed up in Queensland after the Carnival and have been prepared up there.

“I’ve gone up to bring them back home (Cobbitty) for the last 12 days or so leading into the race.

“I’ll take them both into Menangle next Saturday for really solid hit outs to top them off.”

Don Hugo impressed beating star Queensland pacer Speak The Truth in a 1660m Albion Park trial last Friday.

“And Eye Keep Smiling trialled well the week before in 1min52sec, so they’re both right on target,” he said.

McCarthy said Jack Callaghan was the frontrunner to drive whichever runner he didn’t.

“But it’s not just my call,” he said. “I’ll need to chat with the owners and slot holders before we lock that in.”

Like most, McCarthy was impressed with young WA star Never Ending’s run at Menangle last Saturday night.

“It was huge, wasn’t it?” he said. “He’s a deserved favourite and clearly the one we all have to beat.”

Don Hugo