Defending champ's difficult opening round draw

REIGNING champion Don Hugo has received a difficult draw to kick-start his Inter Dominion title defense.

Winner of last season's edition at Club Menangle, Don Hugo is aiming to retain the 'belt' beginning with the opening round of heats at Albion Park on Saturday night.

To connections' dismay the son of Art Major received barrier 10 in the second qualifier over 2138 metres.

Successful at his two starts from a spell, Don Hugo remains a short-priced favourite in his heat and is the second elect behind Leap To Fame to secure the $1million Final on July 19.

"It's not the best draw," trainer Luke McCarthy said. "Certainly not where I would pick.

"That said, it is not the end of the world and he is more than capable of winning from there.

"Hopefully he is getting the bad draws out of the way early."

Don Hugo will be joined by his stablemate Don Lou, which will start from 11.

McCarthy's Beach Ball also received a second row draw in the opening heat, with I Break The Line faring slightly better in barrier six in the third heat.

"We've been set a task in each of the heats," McCarthy said. "Hopefully they can all do well and earn good points ahead of the second round."