Exclusive Hustler hangs on in desperate finish

Much travelled harness racing pacer Exclusive Hustler (Art Major) confirmed punters opinions when he led for most of the trip to take out the Racing and Sports Junior Free For All at Albion Park on Saturday evening.

Virtually the only horse backed in the betting Exclusive Hustler was expected to lead early but he was beaten out by the speedy Ozzie Punta who crossed over to the front. However Pete McMullen who was having his first drive on Exclusive Hustler was not content with a  trail and he whipped around Ozzie Punter to take up the running.

This proved to be the winning move as Exclusive Hustler was given a breather running his second quarter in 28.9 seconds. Stablemate Birkirkara resuming after a spell eased out in the market and from the second row settled one out in the latter half of the field.

EXCLUSIVE HUSTLER 9 MAY REPLAY

Exclusive Hustler didn’t have a big lead on straightening and gave his supporters plenty of anxious moments as Ozzie Punta who was getting up along the rails and Ellis Street finishing on out wide made it a close thing. As it turned Exclusive Hustler fell in to beat Ozzie Punter by half a head with Ellis Street in third. Another stride and Ozzie Punter would have got up.

Birkirkara never really looked like figuring in the finish but at the end he was less then three metres from the winner in running fifth. The Sweet Lou entire raced in much harder company last time in and he will be improved by the effort.

Exclusive Hustler who is trained by Jack Butler had earlier in the season taken out the Golden Guitar Final at Tamworth and since returning to Queensland has won three races at the Creek. His dam The Waratah ( Mach Three) won six races in her career going 1.57.9. At stud she has she has left some useful performers such as Mirragon (37 wins and 1.49.4) Fightnfury, The Cid and Neat N Tidy. She also has a three year old gelding The Major Danger also by Art Major as well as a two year old Arty McFly the latter duo have yet to race.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink