Northview Hustler is holding his rivals easily after an all-the-way domination last week. PHOTO: Dan Costello.
Larry and Hustler a racy combo for Saturday night - but they need Lady Luck
By Barry Lichter • 19 February 2021
Northview Hustler and Larry Lincoln are both good top three chances at Albion Park on Saturday night - all they need is a little luck in the running.
Northview Hustler backs up from his dominant all the-way win last Saturday night but, drawn one from the outside this week, is no certain leader.
And trainer Al Barnes says it will be up to his driver son Hayden to make the call on whether to blast from the gate or go back and come with one run.
“Hayden will see how he feels in the warm up and make up his mind. He hasn’t been great this week and I’m getting his fetlocks injected on Monday but he’s still capable of crossing them from out there.
“Secretagent Tycoon is the only one who could trouble him early but we ping the first 100 while he winds up.”
Barnes says even if the Hustler ends up going back he’s still a winning chance coming with one late run.
“There’ll be a bit of pressure on mid-race this week. Rock With Sam and Secretagent Tycoon will want to be forward and a bit of pressure suits us.”
Larry Lincoln is looking a treat.Larry flying
A quicker tempo is also the key to Larry Lincoln’s chances in the third race earlier in the night when he returns to his more favoured 1660 metres.
“It’s a slightly better field this week but that means they will go harder which is an advantage for him. He can come off a hot speed and that’s why he’ll be a better horse when he gets up in grade.”
Barnes was again delighted with the way Larry Lincoln finished last week over the longer trip of 2138 metres.
“He’s flying, busting to win a race and I reckon this is his chance.”
Larry Lincoln’s effort for fourth last Saturday night was huge. After going forward from four and being denied the chair, Hayden had to drag the horse all the way back to last.
The official times saw Larry clock the fastest last 800 and 400 in the race, making up 19.3 metres on the leaders in the last 800 metres.
His last 400 of 28.53 was quicker than the winner One Off and was recorded three, four and eventually five wide round the home turn.
“From five on Saturday Hayden can go back and find a position and let him run on.
“I had the chiropractor there at 5.30am this morning going over him and he said he looks a treat.
“Fingers crossed they can both run top three with a bit of luck in the running.”
Larry Lincoln made up 19.3 metres over the last 800 metres last week.
Larry Lincoln races at 9.18pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.
Northview Hustler races at 10.53pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.
More news in Harness
Cheapies The Night Fox and Lincoln Maree keep the tally ticking over at Cambridge
Little Missy Lincoln can stand up for herself in Young Guns fillies’ heat on Friday night
Leo poised to roar again - he looks a ratings special at Cambridge on Thursday night
Pole goes on The Night Fox - now he just needs a little luck from a niggly draw on Friday night
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 2: Lincoln Maree
5.55pm
“Frank drove a nice race on her last time, doing a bit of work early before leading and trailing, but I think the result might have been different if she’d led all the way. She has no speed, she’s better in front and rolling, so this week we’ll tell Frank to go forward and to not hand up and hopefully she can go one better.”
Race 4: The Night Fox
6.56pm
“He got KOed last time at Auckland but Harry said he felt like he could have won with a decent draw so we’ll just put that race behind us. I wouldn’t say this field is any harder. We’ve got a bad draw again but it depends on how the race pans out. I think he can still win.”
Race 6: Lincoln Lover
7.58pm
“He’s doing a good job, and he ran home well last time at Cambridge, but Leo Lincoln is definitely the pick of ours.”
Race 6: Leo Lincoln
7.58pm
“He’ll strip a lot fitter and I think he’s a good winning chance. He’s been racing open class horses and this is a huge drop back for him.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Lincoln Linda
5.06pm
“I’m not holding my breath. She beat a poor bunch at Cambridge and will have to step up here.”
Race 2: Rivergirl Bella
5.45pm
“Given the right trip, she should finish off not too bad as she has a bit of speed but, after two runs back, she needs to improve.”
Race 7: Missy Lincoln
8.09pm
“She’s only little but she trialled super and got home in 2:00.6 mile rate. If she repeats that, she’ll be in the fray. It’s early days yet but she’s a nice, tractable filly who has drawn well in two and, based on that one trial, you’d have to give her a chance. Whether she improves off it, we’ll see.”
Race 8: Spiritual Bliss
8.34pm
“I don’t think any of the others stand over her. She’s a tough mare who has trained on well. I’d love to see her in front, she’s proven that’s where she goes best, but whether she’ll get there from four is debatable. But I’m sure she’ll go another good race.”
