Al: Second row draw makes it tougher but Hustler will go better than his odds suggest

A second row draw will see Northview Hustler driven quietly at Albion Park on Saturday night but trainer Al Barnes still expects him to earn a cheque.

Barnes believe the horse is over the odds at 12-to-one in the fifth race given he ran so well last week when collared only close to the post by the trailing Subtle Delight.

But while he led from a great draw in that race, and goes back to the second line on Saturday night, Barnes believes he only needs a strong tempo to run into the money.

“We’ll sit patiently in the running line, as we know he likes it that way and, if he goes his usual 54 half, he’ll run on into the money.

“If they walk and sprint home it will make it tough but I think he’ll be competitive.”

Barnes reports the Hustler has done very well in training during the week.

“I’m very happy with him, he’s getting better with every race. His last two runs have been excellent and I’d have thought he’d be a five-to-one or six-to-one chance.”

Barnes sees Sydney visitor Bright Energy as the No. 1 contender after a big run last week when beaten only a neck by Mister Brazil.

“He’s drawn the outside so may have to sit parked but he’s going well.”

The Hustler has raced in each of the last five weeks so Barnes plans to miss next Saturday night when the race is over only a mile, not his best distance.

Northview Hustler races at 9.12pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night