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
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OK Sammy, lightning bolts aside, Ray’s relying on you to do things right this time
Lincoln Dealer has the genes but not the barrier draw for Cambridge debut
Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Colonel Lincoln
5.23pm
“He’s come through his two runs well and we can be bolder with him from a front row draw.”
Race 2: Sugar Ray Lincoln
5.23pm
“He’s in good shape and you can’t fault what he’s doing. I don’t think the (seven) draw should make a lot of difference - he’s been parked in his last two and still got money. You wouldn’t take a trifecta without putting him in.”
Race 2: Leo Lincoln
5.23pm
“He’s racing really well and just needs a bit of luck from the second row. He’s trained on well and should go well again. ”
Race 4: Rivergirl Bella
6.27pm
“She only has a little sprint but, if she doesn’t have to do too much, she can get home well.”
Race 4: Jessie Lincoln
6.27pm
“She’ll win a race or two, and will get one soon as she’s honest, but she’s still very green. And to be fair to her, she hasn’t had a decent enough run where you can really judge her yet.”
Race 8: Lincoln Wave
8.38pm
“Based on the draws, Sammy looks a better chance than Lincoln Wave. Not many win from out there, especially in a Group I race. But I suppose he had a similar draw at Cambridge (six) and got lucky (squeezing into the trail when Nymbal broke) so you never know what can happen. It won’t be easy for him but it would be nice to see him get a good trip as I think he’ll handle the 2700 metres as well as the others.”
Race 8: Sammy Lincoln
8.38pm
“If he can hold up, that would be marvellous as if anything can give Jumal a fright, it’s him. I know he’s still a maiden but he’s better than most of them ability-wise. He’s a classy big bugger who is very fast and if he ends up on Jumal’s back he’d be dangerous. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in the fray as he has such a lot of ability.”
Rac e 10: Prince Lincoln
9.37pm
“If the real Prince Lincoln turned up he’d be in the money, but you never know with him.”
