Al gives Hustler the night off - but it’s nothing serious, just a sore foot
By Barry Lichter • 31 August 2019
Trainer Al Barnes has scratched Northview Hustler from his race at Albion Park tonight after an infection burst out of his foot.
“It’s nothing serious, there’s just a bit of bruising, but I didn’t want to run him when he’s not right,” Barnes said.
“He’s a bit sore, not lame, but I want to look after the horse so we’ll clean it up and keep on top of it so we don’t have any further problems down the track.”
Northview Hustler was to have contested a seven-horse race tonight, all but one of his rivals the same as he easily beat last start.
But while the race looked his for the taking, Barnes says there’s no hurry and there will be plenty more opportunities for the horse whom he expects to fashion a top record this season.
While among the 37 nominations last week for the New Zealand Trotting Cup, he will not be making the trip and will drop out when first acceptances are taken.
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Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Sammy Lincoln
6.18pm
“He was checked and locked wheels into the first turn last week and he had a decent puncture wound in his leg from where they ran into him so you certainly couldn’t condemn him for galloping. He’s a really nice horse, who is going to win races quickly. He hasn’t missed any work, and should be right in it.”
Race 3: Lincoln Wave
6.43pm
“He’s drawn wide again (six) but he’s good enough to get the job done. It’s a bit more of a test for him but there are no cup horses in there and he’s a pretty nice horse. We’ve waited for both him and Sammy Lincoln because of their setbacks at two but it’s been worth it.”
Race 4: Johnny Lincoln
7.11pm
“He was very tough in winning after sitting parked last week. He’s awkwardly drawn again but he tries hard and, with a bit of luck and a good trip, he can get some of it.”
Race 6: Tyson
8.08pm
“Completely forget his run last week when he had no luck in the running. He’s a definite chance.”
Race 6: Spiritual Bliss
8.08pm
“She took no harm from the incident last Friday and has trained on well. I think she’ll go well. If you analyse her run, they went down the back in 27.8 and she did well to finish on for fourth after sitting parked.”
