Larry Lincoln … created a big impression with this first-up win at Albion Park. PHOTO: Dan Costello.
Larry solid chance but Hustler will need the run as he prepares for summer carnival
By Barry Lichter • 16 October 2020
Larry Lincoln looks a solid top three chance at Albion Park tonight but don’t expect Northview Hustler to feature on Saturday night, says trainer Al Barnes.
Larry Lincoln starts from gate three in the sixth race tonight, the same alley from where he ended up parked 10 days ago, when he weakened to sixth.
And that’s why Barnes says he can’t be too confident of the horse winning.
“I just don’t know how the race will pan out. There are a couple of handy ones inside us so he might get parked again.
“But he will be better for his last run. Hayden said the horse’s fitness gave way - his heart rate afterwards was 115.
“It had been three weeks between runs (while the track was being resurfaced) so he wasn’t as hard as we would have liked.”
In his first start in the state, Larry Lincoln scored a terrific win, doing plenty of work in the running and rating 1:55 for the 1660 metres.
“We’re still learning what we can and can’t do with him but he’ll be competitive tonight and should run top three.
“He’ll get better when we can race him consistently every Tuesday or Friday.”
Hustler will need the run
Northview Hustler resumes from a month’s break in the seventh race on Saturday night, where against state champion Colt Thirty One his six draw is certain to take him out of play.
“He’ll definitely need the hitout,” says Barnes.
“We were going to trial him but we thought he might as well race as they go the same time in a trial, if not faster.
“He’s in good condition but it will take a couple of runs before he gets back to his best.”
Al Barnes … “we’ll do the right thing by the horse.”Because the Hustler has bad joints - one fetlock in particular - Barnes says the horse has to race into full fitness.
“We just can’t work him as hard as we’d like, especially on our small track, so he’s always going to be a run short after a break.”
Barnes eased up on the horse a month ago when he started to get a few niggles racing on the very hard Albion Park surface. The spell was deliberately timed to coincide with renovation work to the track which was recambered and retopped.
“The softer track now will be good for him but not on Saturday night - that six draw is a killer.
“We either gut him trying to cross them, and be found wanting at the finish, or go back and do the right thing by the horse and look after him.
“He’ll be right by the time the summer carnival starts.”
Larry Lincoln races at 10.48pm NZ time at Albion Park tonight.
Northview Hustler races at 11.10pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.
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Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Lincoln Linda
5.55pm
“She needed the run last week. Even though she galloped in the score-up, her manners are definitely improving as she didn’t pull in the running. She’ll be sharper this week so hopefully she’ll pace away and get the job done. It looks a pretty even field.”
Race 4: Lincoln Lover
7.18pm
“He only battled away last start and Fergie said he wasn’t really on the bit at the back of the field. He’s been racing for a while and might be a bit fatigued. The outside draw doesn’t help either and Soul Artist was very impressive winning last time.”
Race 6: Lincoln Maree
8.22pm
“She hasn’t got a lot of speed but she tries hard so the best spot for her might be in front, rolling along. That said, her closing sectionals (57.8, 27.9) were the best in the race last time. We couldn’t get one of the Sharpe boys so we’ve had to settle for Frank Phelan. She’s an each-way chance with Andy (Sharpe) the one to beat on Commander Lincoln.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Leo Lincoln
5.21pm
“We’ve thrown him in the deep end, but it was either that or trial. He’s been going OK but he’ll need the run for sure.”
Race 2: Spiritual Bliss
5.21pm
“She won’t be completely out of it, she’s better than people think. The inside second row draw isn’t ideal, and luck will obviously play a part, but I think she’ll be competitive.”
Race 3: Rivergirl Bella
5.57pm
“She was always going to need the run last time as it was her first for a long time. She’ll improve off that. She’s plenty fast enough but needs to get fitter.”
Race 3: Sammy Lincoln
5.57pm
“We found he had a bit of a virus after he last raced so had to ease up on him. He’ll be a little short (on fitness) but his class should carry him through. He is vulnerable with his behaviour at the moment but he’s only got to get round without any silliness and I can’t see how they can beat him.”
Race 4: Johnny Lincoln
6.24pm
“He’s racing super and they’ll know he’s there. He’s trained on well since his Metro Final win. He races tough and at Auckland they have to be tough now.”
