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.
More news in Harness
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Copy N Paste a ‘tradesman’ but look for bold debut run at Cambridge on Thursday night
Ray reveals his theory on why rank outsider Sammy Lincoln can play a hand in the derby
$101 winner Lincoln Wave has improved and is worth following in Friday’s derby lead-up
Our runners this week
Friday night at Auckland
Sharpe Stride, Marylynes Boy, Omaha Lincoln, Spiritual Bliss, Colonel Lincoln, Sugar Ray Lincoln, Leo Lincoln, Prince Lincoln.
Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 4: Lincoln Linda
6.38pm
“I’m not sure where she’s at. It’s a big drop in class - there’s not much in there - but I don’t think she’ll morph into a star. She was hitting the sulky wheels last time and over-racing but that won’t happen again.”
Race 6: Lincoln Maree
7.36pm
“She paced roughly last time but we’ve done a bit of work on her since so she should be happier this time. It depends on the trip she gets (from four) but she’ll go an honest race. She’s no superstar, but she doesn’t miss many cheques.”
Race 8: Copy N Paste
8.45pm
“He’s dour and tradesman-like but he’s getting there. It’s his first time off the place, and the trip will improve him, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him competitive in what is a very weak field. Sometimes you don’t know what the Bettors Delights have got until they front up at the races but he trialled well and beat a couple who are against him here.”
