Supersonic sectionals but draw shipwrecks poor Hustler again on Saturday night

Northview Hustler needed only a half decent draw to be a major factor in Saturday night’s A$25,630 Listed Mr Feelgood at Albion Park in Brisbane - but yet again his hopes have been dashed.

And when he lines up from three on the second row in the 2138 metre feature he’ll be one of the outsiders at $31.

The Hustler might have looked disappointing to the uninitiated last Saturday night when he could manage only eighth of 10 in the Wondai’s Mate but he actually ran the hands off the clock in the fastest mile run in the state for six years.

Forced to go back to last from his extreme outside draw, driver Hayden Barnes faced an impossible task with Cruz running record sectionals in front.

The Hustler was still last turning for home three wide and when shown clear air four wide down the stretch he really hit his straps.

At the post he was only 13.7 metres from Cruz who was credited with a track record-equalling 1:53.9 for the 1660 metres, a mile rate of 1:50.4.

Not since the champion pacer I’m Themightyquinn ran exactly the same time in the 2014 Sunshine Sprint have such numbers been semaphored at Albion Park.

And, incredibly, only one horse, fifth-placed Speech Is Silver, paced marginally faster last 800 and 400 metre sectionals than Northview Hustler who steamed home in 53.63 and 25.98, making up 8.5 metres on the leaders over the last 800 metres.

By comparison winner Cruz paced 54.20 and 26.50 and runner-up Colt Thirty One recorded 54.17 and 26.57.

Northview Hustler ran the second fastest closing sectionals in the race - 53.63 and 25.98.

But with all three of those fancied runners drawing the front line on Saturday night, trainer Al Barnes knows it will take an enormous effort for the Hustler to get into the action.

“All we can do is try to find a spot, drive him quietly and hope for some luck.”

Barnes was delighted with the Hustler’s effort last week and says he has improved with it.

“Hayden didn’t knock him around and he had a bit left in the locker.

“I actually think he’s come back a better horse this time in. He’s a lot sounder than he’s been in a long time - his legs and feet are good - and he’s very fit and healthy.

“We just have to look forward to next week and hope for a good draw.”

The A$25,630 Lucky Creed is run over the longer trip of 2680 metres, a distance Barnes says few of Hustler’s opposition can handle.

“At least these aren’t $200,000 races or Group Ones. And the following week he’ll be able to go round in weaker races for A$14,000.”

Northview Hustler races at 8.12pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.