Hustler roars home in quiet trial and shows he’s nearly ready to rumble again
By Barry Lichter • 14 January 2020
Northview Hustler showed he had lost none of his ability when he ripped home a fast last quarter in an Albion Park trial yesterday.
And the horse is doing so well in his new preparation, trainer Al Barnes has him on target to resume racing on February 1.
Having his first strong hitout since injuring a tendon when winning his last start in September, the Hustler was allowed to trundle along at the rear of the six-horse field.
Driver Hayden Barnes didn’t pull out until late in the straight and the six-year-old exploded home for fifth, only 7.8 metres from winner Invincible Loxton.
Northview Husler is travelling comfortably at the line.“Hayden said he felt super. He would have run home in a very low 26 and did it within himself.
“I was happy the young fella (Angus Gerrard) led and only went steadily, as 1:57.7 was a good mile time for him to go first-up, rather than 1:53.”
Barnes reported Hustler’s heart rate was 91, indicating he had done a good bit of work in the trial which turned into only a scoot home.
“He’s pretty well ready to go now but he’ll have another, slightly more serious trial next Tuesday, then should be ready to race 11 days later.”
Barnes says Hustler’s leg is looking perfect and he’s as big as he’s seen him.
Hayden Barnes, widest, opens the throttle a little on Northview Hustler close to home in his trial at Albion Park on Tuesday.“He’s huge, with a big bum and great top. He’s just got a few niggly muscles over his back end but I’ll get my muscle man on to that.”
Barnes did a sterling job with Northview Hustler last year, with four wins from 14 starts and A$53,100 in stakes, and showed he was up to the best in the state with unlucky Group I runs in both the Sunshine Sprint and Blacks A Fake last July.
Newcomer Super Easy was given an unofficial educational trial yesterday and showed he still had plenty to learn.
The unraced Art Major three-year-old paced a slow mile in about 2:07 and did a bit wrong, says Barnes.
“They went very slow then sprinted and he didn’t like that, he didn’t handle the transition from walking to sprinting.
“I’ll put him in an official trial next Tuesday where they’ll go quicker. He’s better rolling even quarters.”
Cover Boy Pretty and Joey Lincoln will have their first educational trials next week.
More news in Harness
Video clue on why Lincoln Lover is tipped to go boldly fresh-up at Auckland on Friday night
A picture of Bliss but poor Harry’s arms were nearly pulled out of their sockets
Ultra-consistent Kevin Kline sold to the United States: Why Ray’s sorry to lose him
Nate having a last spin round on his wee mate Eric - and he’s in with a very good chance
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Manawatu
Race 4: Spiritual Bliss
6.25pm
“She won well on the first day but pulled very hard - Harry said his arms were that tired afterwards he couldn’t have lifted a 1kg dumb bell. She’s meeting a few nice ones here, up in grade, but she’s drawn better so you can’t count her out. She tries hard and really digs in.”
Race 7: Lincoln Downs
7.50pm
“She did everything right on Tuesday but she blew heavily afterwards and I think the heat got to her. She’s a place chance if she recovers OK.”
Race 8: Lincoln Maree
8.22pm
“She was jumping shadows on Tuesday and moves to the last race this time but she’s not the most genuine so I’m not holding my breath.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 3: Lincoln Lover
6.28pm
“He hasn’t raced for three months but trialled really well. I pick he’s going to win one pretty quickly and, given he’s been running against the best two-year-olds in his previous preps, it should really be on Friday night. This lot of maidens aren’t in the same class and he’s as honest as they come, a tough little trier.”
Race 6: Debbie Lincoln
8.09pm
“She’s really up against it from the outside of the second line, with all the favourites drawn well. She has to be the unluckest animal on the planet. With her, what can go wrong will. Even at the best of times you need a reasonable draw to figure but drawn in the bondocks here she’ll need incredible luck.”
Race 8: Sugar Ray Lincoln
9.09pm
“He had a short break while some vet work was done but is in good trim. Yes, there are a few in here that are vastly higher rated but his formline says it all - it’s not often he doesn’t get a cheque.”
Race 8: Tyson
9.09pm
“He was a bit unlucky last week that he didn’t get to them a bit sooner otherwise I think he would have won. Maurice said he thought they’d come back to him more, going 2:39 speed, but his closing sectionals were easily the best in the race.”
Race 10: Prince Lincoln
10.09pm
“He’s grown into a beautiful horse, a quality looking colt, and who knows what he could be. He’ll obviously improve with the run but I still expect him to run well from his good draw. He trialled very well behind a good one.”
Race 10: Johnny Lincoln
10.09pm
“He’s drawn a bit awkwardly in seven, which gives Prince Lincoln the edge, but he too was making good ground in the workout.”
