Watch Hustler stretch out more freely this week - Leo will have to do more than his best

Fitter than last week, a little sounder and with a perfect trailing draw, Northview Hustler looks the one to beat at Albion Park on Saturday night.

The Hustler meets the same sort of field as he tackled last Saturday, when he ran out of condition late and was pipped a nose by Leos Best in his first start since the Blacks A Fake Championship in July.

And trainer Al Barnes says his second row draw should be a boon as the pole runner Chantrey is the likely leader.

“It’s only an eight horse field and he should get a great trip behind the leader.

“It was only (lack of) fitness that got him last week but he should be winning this week.”

Barnes says the Hustler should also pace better on Saturday night.

‘If you watch the replay of last week’s race he paced a bit ordinary up the home straight and his head was bobbing up and down like a galloper in the last 100 metres.

“He’s a bit soft in his soles and one foot’s been a bit sore. It’s nothing major but it kept him from striding out last week.”

Barnes says he races Northview Hustler in bonded aluminium shoes anyway to reduce the concussion but the work he has done this week should improve the horse further.

“It might take him a run to get his confidence back but within the next fortnight I’ll have him right.”

Northview Hustler is a $2.50 early favourite for Saturday night with Leos Best, who nosed him out last week, second pick at $3.50 and Chantrey next at $8.

Northview Hustler races at 9.40pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.