Hayden Barnes brings Northview Hustler back after his terrific win last week. PHOTO: Dan Costello.
Al: They’ll have to scoot to get past the Hustler who now has a real spring in his step
By Barry Lichter • 4 September 2020
With his confidence at an all time high, Northview Hustler is the one to beat at Albion Park on Saturday night.
The Hustler’s luck has really turned, landing the pole position for the second week on end, and he will start a solid second favourite in the third race behind Ashley Locaz.
Trainer All Barnes says he can’t recall seeing another horse so switched on by a win, the Hustler having a real spring in his step this week after leading all the way last Saturday night.
“Having that kill has really helped him. He pulled up really well and has been really sharp this week, working stronger.”
Barnes says he is confident the Hustler can run in the top two again, stepping up from 1660 metres to his more preferred 2138 metres.
“Now that he’s at the top of his game, he doesn’t need to go slow like last week to win.
“He’s definitely the one to catch. They’ll have to park outside us to beat us.”
Barnes accepts former All Stars’ runner Ashley Locaz, drawn awkwardly in five, will be improved for his run last week, when he faced the breeze and, under pressure, battled into third.
“He has to step up to 2138 metres on Saturday. That run last week will help him but it will help us more. Hustler had a two week break before his last run and we know we have to race him every week to see the best of him.”
Barnes says the field is no stronger than last week, and is missing the speedy Bright Energy.
“Something might have a look at us for 100 or 200 metres but I can’t see too much pressure being put on him.
“He’s gone a 1:53.1 mile rate for 2138 metres before and there aren’t many over here that can match that.”
Meanwhile Barnes reports that Lincoln Farms’ latest imports Man Of Action and Larry Lincoln have arrived in good condition.
“They look ready to go but I’ll probably give them a quiet trial next week to have a look at the track.”
Northview Hustler races at 8.40pm 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.”
