Perfect start to title defense

REIGNING champion Don Hugo has kick-started his Inter Dominion title defense in perfect fashion.

Winner of last season's edition at Club Menangle, Don Hugo overcame a second row draw to secure his opening round heat at Albion Park tonight.

Driven to perfection by trainer Luke McCarthy, the son of Art Major was given time to settle into his stride before being sent forward three-wide to gain the ideal one-one trip as Aroda set the pace.

Taken to the outside leaving the back straight, Don Hugo completed a metre-and-a-half win from Captains Knock, which was gallant after occupying the 'death seat'.

Aroda battled on to be four-and-a-half metres away third.

Successful at his three starts from a spell, Don Hugo rated 1:52.4 over 2138 metres, with his time three-tenths of second slower than Championship favourite, Leap To Fame.

Trained and driven by Grant Dixon, Leap To Fame worked to the front from his second row draw before cruising to a nine-metre win from Pinseeker, with Petes Said So a metre away third.

Winner of the 2023 Inter Dominion, Leap To Fame is a $1.25 TAB Fixed Odds favourite to secure the $1million Final on July 19, with Don Hugo the $3.50 second elect.

Triumphant in the first heat, Sure Thing Captain is considered a $15 chance ahead of the Final.

Trained by Shannon Price and driven by Adam Sanderson, Sure Thing Captain accounted for Catch A Wave and Rakero Rebel in 1:53.3.