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
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
OK Sammy, lightning bolts aside, Ray’s relying on you to do things right this time
Lincoln Dealer has the genes but not the barrier draw for Cambridge debut
Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Colonel Lincoln
5.23pm
“He’s come through his two runs well and we can be bolder with him from a front row draw.”
Race 2: Sugar Ray Lincoln
5.23pm
“He’s in good shape and you can’t fault what he’s doing. I don’t think the (seven) draw should make a lot of difference - he’s been parked in his last two and still got money. You wouldn’t take a trifecta without putting him in.”
Race 2: Leo Lincoln
5.23pm
“He’s racing really well and just needs a bit of luck from the second row. He’s trained on well and should go well again. ”
Race 4: Rivergirl Bella
6.27pm
“She only has a little sprint but, if she doesn’t have to do too much, she can get home well.”
Race 4: Jessie Lincoln
6.27pm
“She’ll win a race or two, and will get one soon as she’s honest, but she’s still very green. And to be fair to her, she hasn’t had a decent enough run where you can really judge her yet.”
Race 8: Lincoln Wave
8.38pm
“Based on the draws, Sammy looks a better chance than Lincoln Wave. Not many win from out there, especially in a Group I race. But I suppose he had a similar draw at Cambridge (six) and got lucky (squeezing into the trail when Nymbal broke) so you never know what can happen. It won’t be easy for him but it would be nice to see him get a good trip as I think he’ll handle the 2700 metres as well as the others.”
Race 8: Sammy Lincoln
8.38pm
“If he can hold up, that would be marvellous as if anything can give Jumal a fright, it’s him. I know he’s still a maiden but he’s better than most of them ability-wise. He’s a classy big bugger who is very fast and if he ends up on Jumal’s back he’d be dangerous. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in the fray as he has such a lot of ability.”
Rac e 10: Prince Lincoln
9.37pm
“If the real Prince Lincoln turned up he’d be in the money, but you never know with him.”
