Northview Hustler, nearest camera, blazes home to run Colt Thirty One close last week.
Early fireworks would help high speed closer Northview Hustler on Saturday night
By Barry Lichter • 23 October 2020
Trainer Al Barnes is hoping for early fireworks at Albion Park on Saturday night so Northview Hustler can again use his dazzling late speed to the best effect.
The Hustler will again start from a wide gate in the third race, one spot inside hot favourite and former All Stars’ pinup Turn It Up.
But Barnes says if he can repeat his run of last week - when he unleashed a whirlwind run from the tail of the field on the home turn for a close third - he can get some of the money again.
The Hustler was taken back that night and driven very quietly by Hayden Barnes before reeling off the fastest sectionals in the race of 54.79 and 26.37, a full second faster than winner Colt Thirty One.
“His run was exceptional. Since the track was redone you’d only see a run from the back of the field like that in one out of 40 races.
“The track is slowly improving but it’s still not binding yet and is heavy.”
And while the hope is that when the surface compacts it will provide good footing in both wet and dry conditions, until then horses will continue to struggle to make inroads on the leaders.
“The Hustler’s chances depend on how the race is run. With the one and three horses having gate speed there could be early fireworks, which would suit him, as we’ll probably drive him the same this week.
“He doesn’t need to go forward and do all the work. And he’s still not 100 percent yet. His coat is still a bit dull.
“But he’s honest, he’s improving, and he’ll do a good job.”
Barnes has five weeks to peak the Hustler for the first of the three summer carnival features, the Group III A$30,660 Be Good Johnny Sprint (1660m) on November 28.
Northview Hustler races at 9.48pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.
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Our runners this week
Friday night at Auckland
Leo Lincoln, Spiritual Bliss, Missy Lincoln, Lincoln Wave, Johnny Lincoln.
Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: The Night Fox
5.44pm
“From a good front line draw Harry can run off the gate and find the front. He’s shown he’s got the speed to get there. And if he can go 2:42 again, or quicker, I thought he’d be a very good winning chance. It’s an easier field than the one he beat last time. He’s trained well this week.”
Race 2: Rivergirl Bella
6.09pm
“She goes down to Cambridge for the first time so it’s a big drop in class. She also goes a lot better left-handed so I thought from the good draw she could run top three.”
Race 3: Lincoln Maree
6.34pm
“She paced a 1:56.7 mile in beating the amateurs last start but it looks like she’ll need a bit of luck from the draw this time. The two inside her like to lead so she could end up three fence or outside them. I’ll leave it up to Harry to get the right trip.”
Race 3: Lincoln Lover
6.34pm
“He’s a place chance. He likes bowling along but from five it’s hard to say where he’ll end up. He’s very consistent and he paced 2:42.3 last time so I can absolutely see him in the money.”
Race 6: Lincoln Linda
8.04pm
“She was in a very strong R40 to R48 race last time at Auckland against horses like Alecto, All Of Me and Cyclone Rebel, and she clocked 2:41.1, so back to Cambridge where she won her first race, and a much easier R38 to R40 field, she’s got to be a good winning chance. She’s best in front if Fergie can get there.”
