Northview Hustler (Hayden Barnes) powers home in 55 to win at Tuesday’s Albion Park trials.
‘Leader Peter’ just the right man for the job on Northview Hustler on Saturday night
By Barry Lichter • 19 June 2020
Northview Hustler’s chances of winning at Albion Park on Saturday night should be decided in the first 400 metres.
From gate four, the Hustler will be making a strong bid for the front, the best tactics to beat Queensland star Colt Thirty One, who is on the second row, and last start winners Major Cam and Glenferrie Hood who have drawn the outside of the arm.
And trainer Al Barnes says, in the absence of his suspended son Hayden, he has just the right man in the cart to find the front in premiership leader Pete McMullen.
“He’s one of the best drivers over here, he’s very aggressive - they call him leader Peter,” says Barnes.
Pete McMullen … will gun out Northview Hustler.“There’s plenty of speed inside him and the one horse, Smooth Showgirl, has the speed to lead. But it might take a sit over 2138 metres so we’ll push on and see how we go.
“If we lead, we’ll be making the favourites earn it and he’ll become a live chance of winning.”
Barnes says the Hustler is plenty fit enough for his first-up run after three trial wins, running a slick 55 last half in the latest on Tuesday.
“There are no easy races for him now he’s in the top grade but he’ll run well. And after this race we’ll be ready for the upcoming features.”
The Hustler’s first test will come in the $25,630 Listed Redcliffe Gold Cup, over 2613 metres on Saturday week.
After that he has the A$20,830 Wondai’s Mate (1660m) on July 11, the A$25,630 Mr Feelgood (2138m) on July 18 and A$25,630 Lucky Creed (2680m) on July 25, all at Albion Park.
Northview Hustler will be having his first start since running second on March 14 after which Barnes sent him for scans to identify the cause of prolonged bleeding in his off front fetlock.
The horse’s last win came last September, when he mile-rated 1:54.3 over tomorrow night’s 2138 metres.
Northview Hustler races at 10.07pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.
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Ray’s comments
Wednesday at Auckland
Race 5: Prince Lincoln
5.10pm
“I can’t believe he’s not picked in four (on the HRNZ website). He actually headed Cyclone Rebel last start but switched off. We’ve added sliding blinds which seem to have helped in training and he’s got to be a good each-way chance. He just needs a bit of luck from six on the gate.”
Race 5: Johnny Lincoln
5.10pm
“He’ll need some luck from the outside but hopefully he can still get a cheque. He doesn’t have as much speed as Prince Lincoln.”
Race 7: Spiritual Bliss
6pm
“I think she’ll be able to handle the rise in class. She’s a pretty good mare who keeps finding when the pressure goes on. It won’t be easy but she has a good draw and has already run a mile in 1:55.3.”
Race 7: Debbie Lincoln
6pm
“It’s hard to know how she compares with Spiritual Bliss but I think they’re both chances. Debbie Lincoln is still the fastest three-year-old to win over 1700 metres around Alexandra Park and she was excellent again when just pipped by Tyson last time.”
Race 12: Tyson
8.38pm
“The rise in class won’t stop him. If they go a bit harder, he can still run a 56 half off a solid pace. He’s improving all the time, more than I thought he would. He could easily win again.”
Race 12: Leo Lincoln
8.38pm
“We threw him in the deep end first-up when he really needed another trial. That race will bring him on a bit but I think he’ll need another before we see him at his best.”
