Early treat for Inter onlookers

ONLOOKERS are set to be treated to an Inter Dominion Final preview this weekend.

Fresh from their victories during the opening round, reigning champion Don Hugo and series favourite, Leap To Fame, will return to Albion Park for Saturday night's second qualifiers.

Proving too good during last season's Club Menangle-based Championship, Don Hugo overcame a second row draw to secure his first heat in 1:52.4 over 2138 metres.

Winner of the 2023 Inter Dominion, Leap To Fame began from barrier eight to stop the clock in 1:52.1 half and hour later.

Following their performances, Leap To Fame has tightened slightly to be a $1.25 TAB Fixed Odds favourite to secure the $1million Final on July 19, with Don Hugo drifting marginally as the $3.80 second elect.

As for Saturday night, Don Hugo and Leap To Fame will clash in the second heat on the card.

Don Hugo has drawn to lead from the pole for trainer-driver Luke McCarthy, while Leap To Fame has drawn to stalk the son of Art Major from the inside of the back line.

Fellow heat winner, Sure Thing Captain, will once again avoid the big pair by contesting the first qualifer of the night.

Sure Thing Captain will begin from barrier four, the same starting position as the opening round.

The distance steps up from 2138 to 2680 metres.