Northview Hustler (Hayden Barnes) is as good as trainer Al Barnes has had him. PHOTO: Dan Costello.
Al: Hustler will have to come from the back this time but he won’t be far away
By Barry Lichter • 9 January 2021
Northview Hustler will need luck from the outside of the gate at Albion Park tonight but he’s in such good form trainer Al Barnes says he won’t finish far away.
The Hustler, fresh from an all-the-way win in a career best 1:52.5, meets a slightly easier line-up tonight but under the preferential draw system, as the highest rated horse, gets the worst draw.
And with two horses he knows the Hustler can’t cross, including pole runner Mattgregor, Barnes says his son Hayden will have no option but to ease back at the start.
“He can’t blast forward over 2138 metres. Mattgregor’s a really nice horse, is very good in front, and can reel off a quick half.
“Besides, with the speed the Hustler’s got, having to come from last isn’t a big disadvantage in a small field - he’s proven that time and time again.
“It’s tougher coming from last but he tries and I don’t think he’ll be far away. If there’s a chink in anyone’s armour he’ll be the one closing late.”
Barnes reports the Hustler has had another good week since his big win last Saturday night when he ran a closing half in 54.8 and quarter in 27 to beat Major Cam, Chevron’s Reward and Fame Assured, all rivals again tonight.
“He’s doing well and looks a treat - he’s solid and black as black, the best we’ve ever had him.
“He just needs a bit of luck.”
The Hustler meets a new rival in the form of ex-Kiwi Lets Katchmeifucan, who has been turned into a tiger since joining Craig Cross, with two seconds and five straight wins, the first of those at Menangle in 1:51.1.
Northview Hustler races at 11.10pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.
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Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 5: Dreams Of Eric
7.13pm
“It’s an even field but he’s drawn to lead and I’m sure he’ll go well again.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 4: Tyson
7.15pm
“He’s a strong each-way chance again. He’s looking great and he’s a real slugger. Some people under-rate him but he keeps getting the money.”
Race 6: Debbie Lincoln
8.19pm
“She tied up on us again after her last start but her bloods are good again so it looks like she’s over that. At her best she’d be a serious chance. She could be in need of a race or two to be on the very top of her game but, if she gets a good trip, I could see her being right in it.”
Race 8: Lincoln Linda
9.09pm
“Last week’s debacle was all self inflicted. She gets herself so wound up. The weird thing is that in front she’s lovely, and drops the bit, but getting there is the hardest part. We’ve had problems with her missing the start. If she did things right, and could lead from one, I can’t see how they’d beat her, but that’s a big question mark.”
Race 8: Lincoln Lover
9.09pm
“His last start was a complete non-event, it was only a sprint up the straight. With any kind of a trip on Friday he’ll show them more of what he can do. Lincoln Linda has more speed than him but he’s got the manners and he tries like hell.”
