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Northview Punter steals show at Gloucester Park

Top trainer Gary Hall announced WA Pacing Cup plans for Northview Punter after the bay led home a stable trifecta in winning tonight's $35,000 Alltools 4YO and 5YO Championship (2130m) at Gloucester Park

Northview Punter, backed from $8.30 to $4.50, beat other Hall-trained runners Soho Valencia ($3 equal favourite) and Benjamin Banneker ($52.50).

The trifecta paid $514.70 for a $1 TAB investment.

Northview Punter, driven by Hall's son Gary Jr, raced outside pacemaker Red Salute ($3 equal favourite) in the early stages.

Hall then took a trail with Northview Punter, who finished powerfully to score by 2.6m from Soho Valencia. Red Salute finished fifth.

"Maturity has improved Northview Punter and he's become a WA Pacing Cup prospect," Hall said. "I'll now spell the horse and set him for the cup."

The trainer predicted a bright future for Soho Valencia, who firmed from $3.80 when haviing his first start since an injury 17 months ago.

"Soho Valencia has been working brilliantly and I backed him heavily tonight," Hall Sr said.

Hall also started Famous Alchemist ($9.90) and Real Hammer ($91.30), who ran 10th and 11th in the championship.

Eyre Crusher ($8.50), also trained by Hall, caused an upset when he won the Milwaukee WA Derby Prelude (2130m).

His stablemate Pelusiac ($1.40 favourite) faded to finish fifth after leading.

Hall Sr's eldest son Clinton settled Eyre Crusher in fourth postion before he ran on to score by a short half head from Bettor Offer ($8.90), with Calais ($12.90) a close third.

"Eyre Crusher dug deep when he was in danger of getting beaten," Clinton Hall said.

The gelding has qualified for a start in the $200,000 WA Derby (2536m) on April 11.