Hustler drawn to lead again and there’s no Ashley Locaz to savage him this time
By Barry Lichter • 11 September 2020
Northview Hustler couldn’t cope with being savaged in the lead last week but trainer Al Barnes believes he can bounce back on Saturday night.
The Hustler was well fancied to repeat his win of the previous week when he took on Ashley Locaz but the former All Stars runner sat in the breeze and continually served it up to him, seeing the Kiwi puncture early in the run home.
“Ashley Locaz found us out last week with a fast lead time and four fast quarters (28.7, 28.9, 28 and 27.8).
“Hustler’s not used to racing in that pattern and it told on his fitness.
“We got it easy the week before but the tough run found us out.”
Whereas the Hustler clocked a sedate 1:54.9 mile rate for 1660 metres the previous week, Ashley Local clocked a rate of 1:54.1 for the longer 2138 metres.
“He doesn’t seem to like racing as tough as he used to. He’s more a high speed horse than a stayer now.”
Northview Hustler had it easy in front when he won two starts back. PHOTO: Dan Costello.Barnes says in hindsight his son Hayden believes he should have handed up the lead but no doubt the fact he downed the same horse, who again sat parked, the previous week played in his mind.
“But he’s pulled up better for the run. When you’re racing at these speeds your fitness has to be spot on.”
The Hustler was also not the horse he used to be, said Barnes, with niggling injuries continuing to plague him.
“He’ll carry the injuries all his life but it’s just a question of maintenance. He’s on every kind of joint supplement possible and I’ll be taking him back to the university on Monday to get his fetlock injected again.
“But he’s still a good bread and butter horse for his owners - he earned A$12,500 last month.”
From gate two on Saturday night Barnes expects the Hustler to have no trouble crossing pole runner Scoob Operator.
And with no Ashley Locaz to contend with this time, he hopes he won’t get so much attention in the lead.
Queensland champion Colt Thirty One is a worthy newcomer but, from the outside of the gate, Barnes doesn’t expect trainer-driver Grant Dixon to crucify him first up, when he hasn’t raced since July and hasn’t trialled.
Northview Hustler races at 9.13pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.
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Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 3: Revitalise
6.52pm
“Maurice liked his run last week, he has a better draw this time (five) and I’d like to think there’s a lot of improvement in him. He should go well and hopefully he’ll get a cheque.”
Race 5: Captain Nemo
7.53pm
“It will be very tough for him from the outside of the arm. He didn’t pace the best last week, Andre (Poutama) had to hold on to him the whole way. But I’ll tweak his gear a bit - his hopples might have been a tad long - and hopefully he’ll get round OK.”
Race 5: American Dealer
7.53pm
“It’s difficult to make a plan from four on the second row - you’re relying on pure, unadulterated luck - and that’s not ideal. I can’t imagine anything beating Krug from the one draw - he’ll lead out and I doubt he’ll hand up - but hopefully we can pick up some of the minor money.”
Race 6: Tommy Lincoln
8.24pm
“He’s not really a 2700 metre horse so 2200 this week will suit him a lot better. Seven is not the ideal draw on the mobile but if David (Butcher) gets a good trip I’d say he’ll be the one to beat.”
Race 7: Copy That
8.55pm
“He’s absolutely donkey licked everything so far and they’re all the same horses again except for Mark Purdon’s Another Masterpiece. Now that he’s on the front I can’t see why he wouldn’t flog them again.”
Race 9: Apieceoflou
9.52pm
“He was used a bit early last week, and parked for a while, and hung on well for third. I’d like to see him lead and then I think he’d be a serious chance. This is the best draw he’s had.”
Race 9: Bondi Shake
9.52pm
“He’s been training not bad but he’s out wide again and will need some luck.”
