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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Ray gives reformed Rascal his ‘most likely to succeed’ report from the pole on Friday night
Ray doesn’t pull any punches about Sugar Ray but punters weigh in nonetheless
Partners and pedigree made Johnny Lincoln’s win special - but where was everyone?
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Im Not The Maid
5.14pm
“She went pretty well last week considering they came a fast last half (56.3) and she sat parked from the 800. She’s back to the amateur grade, and should get a good run from the two draw, so hopefully we can get a bit of cash.”
Race 4: Dreams Of Eric
6.38pm
“He didn’t handle the right-handed bends at Auckland last week (galloping at the 300) so we’ll stick to Cambridge from now on. There’s a bit of gate speed in the race so Harry (Harrison Orange) should be able to sit in somewhere. I think he’s a good chance to run top three.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Leo Lincoln
5.59pm
“He’s racing very well. He would have run second last week (to American Me) had he not spooked at the winning post. These are tidy horses he’s racing against but he’s holding his own.”
Race 1: Kevin Kline
5.59pm
“He’ll go better back to a mobile start. He did well to finish so close last week after a slow start than having to do all the donkey work when parked for the last lap. Maurice really likes him because he just puts him into cruise control and he keeps going.”
Race 3: Lincoln Downs
6.58pm
“She’s not as good as the other filly but some lift their game when the money’s up so maybe she can pick up a cheque.”
Race 3: Lincoln’s Spice
6.58pm
“She looks a pretty decent chance of winning. She’s a real little tradesman, does nothing wrong, is easy to handle, is a nice drive, tries hard, is great gaited and has the potential to get stronger.”
Race 5: Tyson
7.51pm
“We found out he raced with a virus last time. The next morning snot was pouring out his nose and that’s why he didn’t finish it off as well as we expected. He only whacked away in the run home. With that gone, he should race better.”
Race 5: Johnny Lincoln
7.51pm
“I think he’ll be competitive and he’s the best of ours in the race. He won well last week and has trained on well. He’s promising. I couldn’t go as far as to say he’s a classic colt yet but we’ll find out soon enough.”
Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.51pm
“He’s doing my head in. He had no excuse for breaking last week. Maurice (McKendry) didn’t blame the wet track. He said he was gliding along, travelling beautifully, when for no apparent reason he put in big steps. I’ll put a hood on him this time to see if it’s a nervous issue.”
Race 8: The Rascal
9.23pm
“All going well, he should win what is a poor maiden field. He’s elevated himself from the transfer list and is going well now. He doesn’t have huge gate speed, so he may not lead but he should get a good trip from one. On paper, he’s our best chance of the night.”
