The pictures say it all: Four good reasons why the Hustler failed to fire at Menangle

There was a very good reason why Northview Hustler failed to show his customary dash at Menangle on Saturday night - both his front feet were sore.

Trainer Al Barnes says when he arrived at the track on Saturday night and checked the horse he discovered infections had burst out of both the horse’s front feet.

“He didn’t show any sign of a problem before he left home for Sydney on Wednesday but when I lifted his feet before the race I was shattered. Infections had burst out of both sides of his heels.

“It was still a bit pussy and while horses normally feel relief after infections burst he was a bit tender and I knew he wouldn’t be at his best. You can just put a line through the race.

“The farrier here said he’d never seen four infections burst at the same time.”

Barnes says he didn’t scratch the horse, to avoid a mandatory 28-day stand down, and is confident he’ll be back to normal in a few days.

Barnes says Hustler has been tender in his feet for some time, without showing any signs of soreness, and he wonders how long the problem had been brewing.

“It’s just a shame it’s buggered up our trip but we’ll look after him and change plans.”

Barnes says he’s confident Luke McCarthy and Craig Cross will get the Hustler back to full health at Cobbitty Farm outside Sydney.

“I’ll come down as often as I can but he’s in good hands and should be fine to race in two weeks. We’ll just have to target different races.”

Instead of the $1 million Miracle Mile on March 7, Barnes says the A$100,000 Group I Bohemia Crystal (mobile 2400m) on the undercard would become the main aim.

“I know it’s disappointing. We made a plan and prepared for it and it just goes to show how easily things can be brought undone.

“But we should see a really good horse in three weeks. It’s a different style of racing at Menangle and he’s had a run there now.”

Northview Hustler ($3.80 fav), driven by McCarthy, finished last, 13.8 metres from winner Flaming Flutter on Saturday night. He dropped straight to the back from the outside gate and never cleared the rear, flushed widest turning for home and unable to pass a horse in the stretch.

The winner ran the mile in 1:53.4, closing in 55.4 and 27.3, times the Hustler is well capable of beating when right.