Busker out to get back on tune in 4&5YO Classic

Boston Busker can lay claim to one of the most improved pacers in Tasmania this season and will be out to continue his progression in the $12,000 Four and Five Year Old Classic in Launceston on Sunday night.

The gelded son of Tintin In America put together a hatrick of wins in April and May and recorded his fourth win of the season three starts back.

Trainer Brent Parish then gave the pacer a try against the state's best when fourth in the Golden Mile.

“It was a very big step up in class, but I thought I would give him a run and see how he handled it against the better class horses, and I thought he went terrific,” said Parish.

Things then didn’t go to script in Launceston last start, where the pacer failed to beat a runner home.

“He was travelling ok, but he got a flat tyre at the 500 (metres),” the trainer explained.

When Boston Busker ended up in Parish’s Beaconsfield stables, there was no expectation that the pacer would rise through the grades as he has.

“I brought him as a horse to do my 10-drives each year to keep my license, and I thought he would pay his way, and he has certainly surprised me.

“Now he has got through his classes a bit I have the country cups and those sort of races in the back of my mind. He can have a little bit of a spell soon and come back for those races,” Parish explained.

Boston Busker has drawn barrier five in Sunday night’s feature, where Parish has booked Rohan Hadley for the drive.

“It’s not a bad field, but it is an awkward draw for us. There is a bit of gate speed underneath us.

“If Montana Storm leads it will be hard to beat, he is going to go through his classes pretty quick, so hopefully, we can get a good run and earn some money somewhere,” said Parish.

Montana Storm is the pre-race favourite after his outstanding form since crossing the Tasman Sea and joining the stables of Rohan Hillier.

Hillier spoke about the pacer's chances and his two youngsters debuting in the $12,000 Launceston Belmont on this week's Tasmanian Harness Highlights Podcast.