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.
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34 more meetings in the north next season as Auckland reclaims Friday nights
No way to sugar coat it - it’s tricky to predict what Sugar Ray will do on Friday night
Argyle out of action, injured, and barrier draw will take Nemo out of play too on Saturday
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.”
