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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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.”
