Hustler nabbed in the shadows but Al says they’ll know he’s alive in the next two weeks
By Barry Lichter • 8 August 2020
Trainer Al Barnes is predicting big things from Northview Hustler after he was collared only in the last few strides at Albion Park in Brisbane tonight.
“They’ll really know he’s alive in the next few weeks,” said Barnes after the Hustler ($10) and son Hayden Barnes were denied a pillar-to-post win by Subtle Delight who pounced from the trail to score by a head.
“Hayden said he was bolting on the turn but he’s still running out of condition a little up the straight.
“But he’s pulling up better each time. His heart rate was 102 afterwards however he recovered a lot quicker.”
Barnes says he’s sure the horse will earn back all his respect in the next two weeks.
“He’d lost their respect but he’s back now and nothing had a shot at us out of the gate tonight.
“And because he didn’t have to burn, and was able to set a slow lead time of 39.1, it definitely helped him get a cheque.”
The Hustler threw in a brutal 27.8 second quarter and, despite being drilled down the back straight by hot favourite Cruz who whistled round to the death, he had plenty left in the tank.
“I thought he did well to run home in 27.3 after that and it’s no disgrace being beaten by Subtle Delight. He’s really stepped up and has been flying over the carnival.”
Cruz, winner of his last three on end, was under pressure turning for home and dropped away to finish fifth.
“I’ve always said Hustler is the second best horse in Queensland behind Colt Thirty One and can beat him with the right run. He just hasn’t had the opportunity since his first-up run when he wasn’t fit enough (and ran second).
“But he’s in a good routine now and he was as bright as a button half an hour after the race.
“Normally you’d say he wouldn’t handle so much racing week after week but he’s just such a different horse now, so bulky, and he’ll go home tonight and clean out his bin.”
The winner ran the 2138 metres in 2:34.2, a mile rate of 1:56, closing in 55.4 and 27.3.
Subtle Delight races up the sprint lane to collar Northview Hustler a head, with 3.2 metres to Fame Assured in third. Hot favourite Cruz weakened to fifth.
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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.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Leo Lincoln
4.42pm
“I’m not holding my breath with him. We won’t count that last run, when the leader went ballistic and he couldn’t get into the race, but he’s not well placed here.”
Race 4: Spiritual Bliss
6.09pm
“She’s racing really well and this looks a bit easier than last time when she was trapped in the breeze in a strong field. I can’t see how she won’t be right in the fight.”
Race 7: Missy Lincoln
7.34pm
“I didn’t know what to expect on debut but she was very brave. I’m picking she’ll go well again but she’ll need a bit of luck - drawn the second line we’re at the mercy of others. We’ll poke her out and see. At least she won’t get parked this time.”
Race 10: Lincoln Wave
9.07pm
“We’re racing the best horses now but he’ll definitely go better than last time. Tony (Herlihy) said he felt super across the top but once in the straight he flattened out, which I half expected. I had him scoped afterwards just to make sure he was all right but he was short of a run, that’s all.”
Race 10: Johnny Lincoln
9.07pm
“He went super when third last week and Fergie said just wait ’til he gets over 2700 metres, he’ll be a monster. He’s turned into a proper racehorse. From four there’ll be a bit of urgency early and hopefully he can get a suck along and get some of it.”
