Proven feature race winner Northview Hustler is close to a return.
And connections are aiming big first-up.
The $25,630 Moreton Bay Regional Redcliffe Gold Cup on June 27 is the target to kick-start his latest campaign and judging by his recent trial efforts, the Alistair Barnes trained pacer looks in good shape.
But he will need to be, given the Redcliffe Cup is a stand start feature staged over the staying trip of 2613m.
Northview Hustler hasn’t started since finishing second behind Smooth Showgirl in the Remembering ‘Sunset Candios’ Pace at Albion Park back on March 14.
Boasting only one victory from eight starts this season, Team Barnes have been frustrated by niggling issues that have hampered the gifted son of Bettors Delight.
“We’ve had a number of issues with him this season including his hooves which prevented him badly during his Sydney campaign. Following a break, he’s come back in good shape and I couldn’t be happier with him right now.” Barnes said.
Northview Hustler finished fourth behind Clintal Do in last year’s Redcliffe Cup in his only start on the triangular track.
His five Queensland victories all coming at Albion Park.
Following a slick trial at Albion Park on Tuesday under mobile conditions, Barnes plans on giving his stable star another trial this week in readiness for the Redcliffe Cup, the trial on Tuesday will be under stand start conditions.
The six-year-old rated 1:53.2 while running his final half in splits of 27.5 and 26.6 seconds when leading throughout in his latest trial.
“It was a very pleasing trial and importantly, he’s come through it in great shape and his heart rate was terrific. That was his second trial back and he improved greatly on the first-up hit out so hopefully he’s headed in the right direction.
“The trial on Tuesday is another opportunity to have a good blow while the stand start is a good refresher for him before the first-up return.
“It’s going to be a very competitive race so he needs to be close to the mark but I think he’s in the best shape since I’ve had him.”
The Lincoln Farms owned pacer has won 13 of his 60 starts while banking more than $183,000 in stakes.
Owing to changes brought on by the Covid-19 global pandemic, the Redcliffe Cup has halved in prizemoney this year but a strong field is still expected for the bayside club.
And victory would be a great parting gift for young Hayden Barnes, the talented lightweight driver is considering a career change at years end.
Barnes, 24, is looking at heading to central Queensland and working in the mining industry.
Last season, Barnes enjoyed great success with 85 winners.
Overall, Barnes has driven just shy of 400 career winners (388).
He currently prepares three of his own including the talented trotter Gee Up Neddy plus Lexus On The Beach and Guptas Cullen.
Chris Barsby