Regular driver Andre Poutama will go south to drive Northview Hustler on Monday.
A clean start on Monday and we’ll find out where Hustler sits against the big guns
By Barry Lichter • 21 October 2018
Northview Hustler only has to step cleanly to be competitive in Monday’s Flying Stakes at Ashburton, says trainer Ray Green.
On his first big trip away from home, Hustler meets a strong line-up in the $50,000 Labour Day feature, most of the New Zealand Cup favourites against him.
But from three on the tapes, Green says he will have his chance to make a statement, providing he can begin swiftly.
Hustler was unlucky to bungle the start at Auckland last week when he got too close to the tape and reared when it was released, scrambling to hit his straps for the first 100 metres.
“He’s not infallible at the start but he very rarely makes mistakes.”
Hustler only has to begin as well as he did when leading all the way in the Spring Cup at his previous start - when he picked up speed quickly from his 20 metre handicap and was in front after 400 metres - to be right in the van from the outset.
On Monday nine horses share the front line in the 2400 metre event, with Alta Orlando unruly, out wide and just in behind them.
“He’s run well in his last two starts and there’s no reason to think he won’t go well again,” says Green. “Yes, it’s the first time he’s travelled anywhere, except for three times to Cambridge, but he’s a sensible horse and he’s had his mate (Beaudiene Western) down there with him. He’s stabled next to him at home and they rub noses every night.
“Craig (Sharpe) said he settled in straight away down there at Ken Barron’s and he feels on top of his game.
“He’s racing the best of the best now, the best in the southern hemisphere, and it remains to be seen if he’s good enough. We’ll be hoping some of them make mistakes and we can pounce on them.”
Bookies don’t rate Hustler on Monday, pricing him equal rank outsider at $37 to win and $7.20 a place along with No Doctor Needed and Letspendanitetogetha. He is even longer for the Trotting Cup at $51 and $12.50.
The three favourites at Ashburton are Ultimate Machete $3.80, Dream About Me $4 and Star Galleria $4.20.
Beaudiene Western one to beat
Beaudiene Western, sold on Monday to Perth, continues his Sires’ Stakes campaign in the fifth race and Green expects him to be extremely competitive.
“He has to be the one to beat. Compared with what he’s been racing up here it looks a step down and he should get a good trip from four.
“He’s never been 2400 metres before but that shouldn’t worry him. That one of Robert Dunn’s, Henry Hubert, is a handy horse but he’s drawn badly.”
Green says depending on how Beaudiene Western comes through the race he might contest the final Sires’ Stakes heat at Addington on November 2.
He has already qualified for the $170,000 Final run on cup day, November 13.
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Rampaging La Moose growing on Ray and right-handed shouldn’t be a worry
Our runners this week
Saturday night at Albion Park
Captain Nemo.
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Major Achievement
5.19pm
“It’s his first race for a while and he hasn’t been setting the world on fire at the workouts. But he’s been racing better animals and this isn’t a stellar bunch. He’s a chance if things go his way. I’ve given Mathew Salaivao the drive.”
Race 1: Commander Lincoln
5.19pm
“He’s an average horse but the last time he raced here in amateur company he all but won. He’ll need luck from the second row but, while I couldn’t label him, he’s a runner’s chance.”
Race 5: Onyx Shard
6.59pm
“She got a bit sick for a while with a virus and I had to back off her. She seems over that now but I’m picking she’ll need a race. This will be like a glorified trial for her.”
Race 8: My Copy
8.14pm
“He came to the end of it so I gave him a little freshen-up and he seems in good shape again. It will be interesting to see how he goes fresh - he may need a race but he’ll appreciate the step-down in class. I’m running him here so he doesn’t come up against any bear cats first-up.”
Race 9: Lincoln Cove
8.47pm
“Hopefully he’s getting better but you’ve just got to take him on trust. He has ability but the desire has been sadly lacking. Zac will have to sit quietly on him as he broke when given only one tap with the stick last time. The small field will suit him as he won’t be too far off them. If he doesn’t make any mistakes, he’ll give them a fright.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 3: Leo Lincoln
6.43pm
“Maurice said he would have finished a lot closer last time than sixth (fourth or even third) had he not locked wheels at the 100. That took all his momentum away. He’s been holding his form well and he gets out well enough to use the inside draw. He’s a chance to get some of the money.”
Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.39pm
“He did have marks on his boot after his last run and trying a spreader on him has helped. But he’s a real baby. He has real ability but he’s still developing mentally and physically and we’re still finding our way with him.”
Race 5: Lincoln Lou
7.39pm
“He’s racing well but he’ll find it tough from the outside draw.”
Race 6: Debbie Lincoln
8.07pm
“I can’t see her improving enough to give the Purdon/Phelan trio a fright. She can go (fast) enough but still has a lot to learn. The main thing for her is getting round safely. She’s put two in a row now so hopefully she’ll start improving.”
Race 10: Lincoln La Moose
9.59pm
“He had an excuse last time - he got wiped out on the first corner and that was the end of his race. I like him, he’s a nice horse, just not quite as experienced as Frisco Bay.”
Race 10: Frisco Bay
9.59pm
“I lean towards Frisky as the better chance of our two. You can’t fault what he did the other night at Cambridge, and he seems to be on the improve. He’s more reliable than Lincoln La Moose.”
