The arrows point to the four infections that burst out of Northview Hustler’s front feet before he raced on Saturday night.
The pictures say it all: Four good reasons why the Hustler failed to fire at Menangle
By Barry Lichter • 16 February 2020
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.
More news in Harness
Little Missy Lincoln can stand up for herself in Young Guns fillies’ heat on Friday night
Leo poised to roar again - he looks a ratings special at Cambridge on Thursday night
Pole goes on The Night Fox - now he just needs a little luck from a niggly draw on Friday night
$10,000 weanling Johnny Lincoln surprises again with fifth win over white hot blue blood
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 2: Lincoln Maree
5.55pm
“Frank drove a nice race on her last time, doing a bit of work early before leading and trailing, but I think the result might have been different if she’d led all the way. She has no speed, she’s better in front and rolling, so this week we’ll tell Frank to go forward and to not hand up and hopefully she can go one better.”
Race 4: The Night Fox
6.56pm
“He got KOed last time at Auckland but Harry said he felt like he could have won with a decent draw so we’ll just put that race behind us. I wouldn’t say this field is any harder. We’ve got a bad draw again but it depends on how the race pans out. I think he can still win.”
Race 6: Lincoln Lover
7.58pm
“He’s doing a good job, and he ran home well last time at Cambridge, but Leo Lincoln is definitely the pick of ours.”
Race 6: Leo Lincoln
7.58pm
“He’ll strip a lot fitter and I think he’s a good winning chance. He’s been racing open class horses and this is a huge drop back for him.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Lincoln Linda
5.06pm
“I’m not holding my breath. She beat a poor bunch at Cambridge and will have to step up here.”
Race 2: Rivergirl Bella
5.45pm
“Given the right trip, she should finish off not too bad as she has a bit of speed but, after two runs back, she needs to improve.”
Race 7: Missy Lincoln
8.09pm
“She’s only little but she trialled super and got home in 2:00.6 mile rate. If she repeats that, she’ll be in the fray. It’s early days yet but she’s a nice, tractable filly who has drawn well in two and, based on that one trial, you’d have to give her a chance. Whether she improves off it, we’ll see.”
Race 8: Spiritual Bliss
8.34pm
“I don’t think any of the others stand over her. She’s a tough mare who has trained on well. I’d love to see her in front, she’s proven that’s where she goes best, but whether she’ll get there from four is debatable. But I’m sure she’ll go another good race.”
