While the experienced Kia Kaha is at the top of her game, McCarthy is rapt that Affluent continues to rise in race stature.
“I will now have a go at the Queensland Derby with him, but I have also been looking at ‘what else’ in this carnival,” McCarthy said.
Affluent scored a narrow win over litter and kennel sister, Mossy Boots, with Kerry Hoggan’s Clean Cut, third.
“The bigger races of the carnival (Golden Ticket and Gold Bullion) are on the edge of my mind," McCarthy said.
“When you have a dog going well, and he is in form at the moment, you have got to take advantage of it.”
Affluent made the most of his box eight draw, crossing to lead and then holding on for victory.
“The dog was drawn exactly where he wanted to be and that is the luck of the box draw, but he also has the ability to use that luck, as well,” McCarthy said.
“Other boxes don't worry him, it is just that he needs that little bit of room when he starts, because he does not ping.”
Here’s what connections said after victory in the other QGOLD Finals:
Blitz (331 metres) – Hope’s Zone:
Travis Elson (trainer):
“She loves this distance and has an unbelievable record over this journey. She has blistering early speed.
“Sunday was her first run back for a couple of months from a season. After a couple of more runs we will take her up to 395 metres and then see what happens after that.”