Northview Hustler, pictured today, is nearly ready to start his rehab.
Al greets three new Queensland recruits and readies to start rehab work on the Hustler
By Barry Lichter • 8 November 2019
Al Barnes says he loves a challenge and the three new recruits which arrived at his Marburg stable in Queensland yesterday are sure to provide him with that.
Super Easy, Joey Lincoln and Cover Boy Pretty are the only three of Lincoln Farms’ class of 2018 who have not raced.
And Barnes reckons he could see why as soon as Cover Boy Pretty and Super Easy stepped off the truck.
Cover Boy Pretty … huge and needs time.“They’re dead set monsters, big and wide, and you can see they need time. But they haven’t been stamped urgent, so I have time to get them to the races when they’re ready.
“All three are lovely animals, and well bred types, but they’ve had time off so it will be a while before they’re fit.
“And I love a challenge with horses who have been sacked like Joey Lincoln.”
Sweet Lou three-year-old Joey Lincoln had five workouts for Pukekohe trainer Ray Green, and was still making mistakes in his last, on September 28.
Super Easy, an Art Major three-year-old, is a brother of Alleluia, who has been a big winner in Queensland, and is now the winner of 35 races. He has had four workouts and three trials without distinguishing himself.
He’s Watching gelding Cover Boy Pretty, who has not trialled, is a half brother to 17-race winner Buy Chevron Direct who also raced in Queensland.
Hustler looks in good condition despite having been locked up for six weeks.Hustler due for scan
Meanwhile, Barnes reports stable star Northview Hustler, sidelined with a tendon injury since winning his last start in September, could start his rehab soon.
“He’s had six weeks locked in his box and the tendon is straightening up well. I’ll get it scanned next week and he could be ready to start hand walking to start stretching the tendon.
“We’ve got lots of time and I’ll be targeting the Hunter Cup in February. We know he’s up to that class.”
Sir Tiger is also recovering well after being gelded.
“He’s healing quickly and is back jogging. I’ll give him a couple of weeks of light work before we get back into it.”
Barnes won’t take Billy Lincoln back to Redcliffe after he was beaten as a hot favourite there last week.
“It was a horrible night for his first look at the track, pouring with rain - Hayden said he couldn’t see two feet in front of him.
“He didn’t hit a knee but he locked on one rein a few times round the turns.
‘I’ll wait until next Thursday when racing returns to Albion Park.”
More news in Harness
Spiritual Bliss and Lincoln Maree add to Lincoln Farms’ gallery of Manawatu heroes
Video clue on why Lincoln Lover is tipped to go boldly fresh-up at Auckland on Friday night
A picture of Bliss but poor Harry’s arms were nearly pulled out of their sockets
Ultra-consistent Kevin Kline sold to the United States: Why Ray’s sorry to lose him
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Manawatu
Race 4: Spiritual Bliss
6.25pm
“She won well on the first day but pulled very hard - Harry said his arms were that tired afterwards he couldn’t have lifted a 1kg dumb bell. She’s meeting a few nice ones here, up in grade, but she’s drawn better so you can’t count her out. She tries hard and really digs in.”
Race 7: Lincoln Downs
7.50pm
“She did everything right on Tuesday but she blew heavily afterwards and I think the heat got to her. She’s a place chance if she recovers OK.”
Race 8: Lincoln Maree
8.22pm
“She was jumping shadows on Tuesday and moves to the last race this time but she’s not the most genuine so I’m not holding my breath.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 3: Lincoln Lover
6.28pm
“He hasn’t raced for three months but trialled really well. I pick he’s going to win one pretty quickly and, given he’s been running against the best two-year-olds in his previous preps, it should really be on Friday night. This lot of maidens aren’t in the same class and he’s as honest as they come, a tough little trier.”
Race 6: Debbie Lincoln
8.09pm
“She’s really up against it from the outside of the second line, with all the favourites drawn well. She has to be the unluckest animal on the planet. With her, what can go wrong will. Even at the best of times you need a reasonable draw to figure but drawn in the bondocks here she’ll need incredible luck.”
Race 8: Sugar Ray Lincoln
9.09pm
“He had a short break while some vet work was done but is in good trim. Yes, there are a few in here that are vastly higher rated but his formline says it all - it’s not often he doesn’t get a cheque.”
Race 8: Tyson
9.09pm
“He was a bit unlucky last week that he didn’t get to them a bit sooner otherwise I think he would have won. Maurice said he thought they’d come back to him more, going 2:39 speed, but his closing sectionals were easily the best in the race.”
Race 10: Prince Lincoln
10.09pm
“He’s grown into a beautiful horse, a quality looking colt, and who knows what he could be. He’ll obviously improve with the run but I still expect him to run well from his good draw. He trialled very well behind a good one.”
Race 10: Johnny Lincoln
10.09pm
“He’s drawn a bit awkwardly in seven, which gives Prince Lincoln the edge, but he too was making good ground in the workout.”
