Al greets three new Queensland recruits and readies to start rehab work on the Hustler

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.”