Hustler big on the clock today - and it’s only 18 more sleeps until we see him back
By Barry Lichter • 9 June 2020
Northview Hustler took another big step to the A$25,630 Redcliffe Gold Cup in 18 days when he scorched round Albion Park in a 1:53.2 mile rate this afternoon.
Firing straight to the lead from his outside draw, the Hustler led all the way over the 1660 metres, reeling off his last 800 metres in a slick 54.1 and 400 in 26.6.
Best of all, driver Hayden Barnes never put the horse under pressure to win by five metres over Mymatepog with classy mare Smart As Camm Be another 7.8 metres away in third.
“Hayden said he did it within himself,” said trainer Al Barnes. “But he needed a good hitout. His heart rate after ten minutes dropped from 100 to 87 so he’s still got a way to reach peak fitness. Last time he won here over 2138 metres his heart rate was 80.”
Barnes plans to trial the Hustler again next Tuesday when he will step the horse up to 2138 metres, meaning he will need to contest a standing start.
But Barnes is determined to have the Hustler super fit for his resumption as the Listed event at Redcliffe is run over the longer 2613 metres.
Northview Hustler is under no pressure to clock 1:53.2 today.He will top off his Redcliffe preparation by bringing the horse to Albion Park on Sunday week for a fast 2400 metre training run.
“It was nice to blast him out today and see him run a quick quarter as we now know if we draw wide we can run the gate and put ourselves into the race.
“He’s had it easy for while now, going back and running home, but we all know how tough he is - he just needed a bit of a reminder.
“He’s just got to stand up now. He was still a little scratchy in behind today but the vet is coming tomorrow to work on him. It’s nothing major he’s just got to fix up some little niggles.
“He’s a bit hoppy gaited when he’s going slow so he’s pinching somewhere in the back end.”
While Hustler was big on the clock today Barnes wasn’t getting carried away with his easily accounting for Smart As Camm Be and Lilac Flash.
“They were just there for a quiet trail in their first start back from tendon injuries.”
While Barnes is keen for Northview Hustler to contest the Redcliffe Cup on June 27 he says that race is not the main target.
It’s for the last two of the three Albion Park features in July - the A$25,630 Mr Feelgood (2138m) on July 18 and A$25,630 Lucky Creed (2680m) a week later - when he will have the horse really firing.
More news in Harness
34 more meetings in the north next season as Auckland reclaims Friday nights
No way to sugar coat it - it’s tricky to predict what Sugar Ray will do on Friday night
Argyle out of action, injured, and barrier draw will take Nemo out of play too on Saturday
Rampaging La Moose growing on Ray and right-handed shouldn’t be a worry
Our runners this week
Saturday night at Albion Park
Captain Nemo.
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Major Achievement
5.19pm
“It’s his first race for a while and he hasn’t been setting the world on fire at the workouts. But he’s been racing better animals and this isn’t a stellar bunch. He’s a chance if things go his way. I’ve given Mathew Salaivao the drive.”
Race 1: Commander Lincoln
5.19pm
“He’s an average horse but the last time he raced here in amateur company he all but won. He’ll need luck from the second row but, while I couldn’t label him, he’s a runner’s chance.”
Race 5: Onyx Shard
6.59pm
“She got a bit sick for a while with a virus and I had to back off her. She seems over that now but I’m picking she’ll need a race. This will be like a glorified trial for her.”
Race 8: My Copy
8.14pm
“He came to the end of it so I gave him a little freshen-up and he seems in good shape again. It will be interesting to see how he goes fresh - he may need a race but he’ll appreciate the step-down in class. I’m running him here so he doesn’t come up against any bear cats first-up.”
Race 9: Lincoln Cove
8.47pm
“Hopefully he’s getting better but you’ve just got to take him on trust. He has ability but the desire has been sadly lacking. Zac will have to sit quietly on him as he broke when given only one tap with the stick last time. The small field will suit him as he won’t be too far off them. If he doesn’t make any mistakes, he’ll give them a fright.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 3: Leo Lincoln
6.43pm
“Maurice said he would have finished a lot closer last time than sixth (fourth or even third) had he not locked wheels at the 100. That took all his momentum away. He’s been holding his form well and he gets out well enough to use the inside draw. He’s a chance to get some of the money.”
Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.39pm
“He did have marks on his boot after his last run and trying a spreader on him has helped. But he’s a real baby. He has real ability but he’s still developing mentally and physically and we’re still finding our way with him.”
Race 5: Lincoln Lou
7.39pm
“He’s racing well but he’ll find it tough from the outside draw.”
Race 6: Debbie Lincoln
8.07pm
“I can’t see her improving enough to give the Purdon/Phelan trio a fright. She can go (fast) enough but still has a lot to learn. The main thing for her is getting round safely. She’s put two in a row now so hopefully she’ll start improving.”
Race 10: Lincoln La Moose
9.59pm
“He had an excuse last time - he got wiped out on the first corner and that was the end of his race. I like him, he’s a nice horse, just not quite as experienced as Frisco Bay.”
Race 10: Frisco Bay
9.59pm
“I lean towards Frisky as the better chance of our two. You can’t fault what he did the other night at Cambridge, and he seems to be on the improve. He’s more reliable than Lincoln La Moose.”
