Callaghan a capable 'Lieutenant'

WHILE his exciting stablemate competes interstate on Saturday night, star pacer Don Hugo will continue his trek towards his major target at Club Menangle.

Winner of last weekend's Shepparton Cup, Kingman is engaged in another Victorian provincial feature for trainer Luke McCarthy - the Ballarat Cup.

With Don Hugo's Miracle Mile defence at the top of the priority list, McCarthy is keeping the son of Art Major 'close to home'.

Driven by McCarthy, Don Hugo captured Australasia's premier sprint in 1:48.4 last March.

This season's edition of the $1million sprint is scheduled for March 14.

"Everything about his program is based around the Miracle Mile," McCarthy said. "That's why he'll do pretty much all his racing close to home.

"The Hunter Cup in Melton in a few weeks is on the cards, but overall, the Miracle Mile is the biggest aim with him."

With McCarthy accompanying Kingman, Jack Callaghan will reunite with Don Hugo for the first time in almost two years.

Callaghan drove the stallion to finish second in Newcastle on February 9 2024. McCarthy has taken the reins behind Don Hugo ever since.

In what shapes as an intriguing battle, Don Hugo will begin from barrier two, with his main danger, Rakero Rocket, to begin from the pole.

During his Australian debut on December 20, Rakero Rocket led before being eased to take a trail behind Don Hugo, eventually finishing second behind the frontrunner.

At his second start, Rakero Rocket led throughout in 1:47.3 to become the southern hemisphere's fastest pacing gelding.

Have Faith In Me and Cya Art previously shared the record of 1:47.5.

Only My Field Marshal - a stallion - has gone quicker on this side of the equator with his 1:46.9 victory in the 2018 Miracle Mile at Club Menangle.

Cameron Hart will take the reins behind the Jason Grimson-trained son of Rock N Roll Heaven.

"Rakero Rocket went incredible at his last start and is clearly the one to beat," McCarthy said. "All I can say is I'm happy with Don and have plenty of faith in him.

"It's going to be a very interesting race to watch."

Looking to upstage the leading pair is evergreen veteran Max Delight.

Racing in his customary consistent fashion, with three placings from his last five starts, the David Aiken-trained gelding has proven on numerous occasions he is capable of causing an upset.

Will Rixon will take the reins behind Max Delight from barrier eight.