Subtle Delight sneaks up the sprint lane to collar Northview Hustler at Albion Park last week.
Al: Second row draw makes it tougher but Hustler will go better than his odds suggest
By Barry Lichter • 14 August 2020
A second row draw will see Northview Hustler driven quietly at Albion Park on Saturday night but trainer Al Barnes still expects him to earn a cheque.
Barnes believe the horse is over the odds at 12-to-one in the fifth race given he ran so well last week when collared only close to the post by the trailing Subtle Delight.
But while he led from a great draw in that race, and goes back to the second line on Saturday night, Barnes believes he only needs a strong tempo to run into the money.
“We’ll sit patiently in the running line, as we know he likes it that way and, if he goes his usual 54 half, he’ll run on into the money.
“If they walk and sprint home it will make it tough but I think he’ll be competitive.”
Barnes reports the Hustler has done very well in training during the week.
“I’m very happy with him, he’s getting better with every race. His last two runs have been excellent and I’d have thought he’d be a five-to-one or six-to-one chance.”
Barnes sees Sydney visitor Bright Energy as the No. 1 contender after a big run last week when beaten only a neck by Mister Brazil.
“He’s drawn the outside so may have to sit parked but he’s going well.”
The Hustler has raced in each of the last five weeks so Barnes plans to miss next Saturday night when the race is over only a mile, not his best distance.
Northview Hustler races at 9.12pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night
More news in Harness
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
Nate having a last spin round on his wee mate Eric - and he’s in with a very good chance
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.”
