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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Nathan’s comments
Thusday night at Cambridge
Race 2: Im Not The Maid
5.49pm
“She’s been battling and this will be her last start before going to stud.”
Race 7: Dreams Of Eric
8.04pm
“I’ll leave the tactics up to Harry again. He’s done a good job with the horse. He wanted to take a sit last time so was quite happy when crossed by Rough And Ready, and Harry said he was still on the bit when he hit the line. There are a few nice ones in there, like Diamonds Are Forever, but I’m sure’ll go another good race.”
Nathan’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Tyson
5.56pm
“Maurice wanted to try something different last week and found a good run for him but he seems to go better if he can get to the parked position. He needs to run top four to get into Metro Final. He’s trained on well. ”
Race 7: Kevin Kline
8.54pm
“I don’t think the stand will worry him. He steps away pretty well and he never lets you down. I thought he did a great job to win last week given he was a couple of lengths off them at the 700. I know it’s a tough field but so was last week’s field. If everything goes right, he’s a top three chance.”
