by Jay Wolf, assistant publicity director, The Little Brown Jug

Delaware, OH — Andrew McCarthy, a native of Baturst, Australia, knows how to make his presence known in a big way. In 2007, McCarthy won his very first United States start with Took Hanover in 1:49. The young Aussie will be looking for another memorable first in his initial Jug start with Bunkmeister (Post two – 1st Elimination).

“I am trying to treat it like any other race,” noted McCarthy. “Obviously, I am very excited. Bunkmeister is a nice colt. We’ll see what happens.”

Nigel Soult photo

Andrew McCarthy piloted Lightning Glory to a 1:51.4 score in a Bluegrass 3-year-old filly pace split last September.

McCarthy started driving in his native Australia at the age of 16 and first came to the United States at the age of 21. He started driving here for top trainer and fellow Aussie, Noel Daley. In just three years in the U.S., McCarthy has recorded more than 260 wins and $3.7 million in earnings.

McCarthy’s older brother, Luke, joined Andrew in the U.S. this summer. Luke has 16 victories in limited starts. Currently, the older McCarthy has the bragging rights for the biggest U.S. victory. Luke was a last minute replacement on Muscle Hill in the $540,000 World Trotting Derby on Sept. 5. Andrew’s biggest win came in an $82,700 Bluegrass Stake at The Red Mile in 2008 with Lightning Glory.

“It was a great opportunity for Luke,” added Andrew. “He will be in attendance on Thursday and will then head to Las Vegas and back to Australia.”

The last driver to win the Jug in their first attempt was Mark MacDonald with Mr Feelgood in 2006.

Snyder hasn’t given up all hope despite Well Said’s post position

“Worst possible post position we could have drawn,” said Jeffrey Snyder after learning of Well Said’s outside eight post for the second elimination heat of Thursday’s $609,150 Little Brown Jug. Snyder, who owns the 5-2 second choice in partnership with Susan Grange’s Lothlorien Equestrian Enterprises, added, “But he is one helluva horse.”

Well Said comes into Thursday’s 64th Little Brown Jug with eight victories in 10 starts this season and will be driven by three-time Jug winner Ron Pierce.

“Ron will know what to do,” said Snyder. “Good things can happen.

“You can’t take back, that will just compromise yourself. I expect Ron will go for the front. He’s a Hall of Famer, I trust him.”

Snyder will be accompanied by his 2-year-old granddaughter Alexa.

“We’ll still have a good time at the fair.”

Sheer Desire moves up in Jug ratings

With four straight victories, including a season’s record 1:49.2 victory in the $300,000 Kentucky Sires Stakes on September 6 at Lexington’s Red Mile, Sheer Desire has moved up among Jug contenders.

“He is very good right now,” said trainer Ron Burke, the leading money winning trainer this year with $10.6 million. “I worked him (Sheer Desire) over the (Delaware) track this morning and he was perfect.”

Sheer Desire finished second to fellow Jug starter Nob Hill High in last year’s Standardbred Stake over the same track.

“That was only his second lifetime start and I was very satisfied with his performance.”

Sheer Desire, a son of Real Desire, will start from the nine post, just behind the pole sitter Carnivore, who finished second three straight times behind Sheer Desire in the Lexington Sires Stakes races.

“We’ve got to go hard right from the get-go. If not, you’ll be in a horrible position.”

Dave Palone, who will drive Sheer Desire, feels the race sets up well for his colt.

“We have a very good starting spot. He’s got a lot of early speed. I drove him here last year and he seems to like the half-mile track.”