Make Way lands pole and Hustler and Trojan not badly placed either in Brisbane features
By Barry Lichter • 16 July 2019
The chances of Lincoln Farms’ little warrior Make Way getting a slice of the A$100,000 prize money in Saturday night’s Queensland Derby took a massive leap when he drew gate one today.
And trainer Al Barnes also says he’s rapt with the inside second row draws of both Northview Hustler and Trojan Banner in Saturday’s two big features at Albion Park in Brisbane.
Trainer Sonya Smith and driver Anthony Butt couldn’t have been happier when Make Way landed the coveted pole position in the derby, knowing the horse has very good gate speed.
Make Way is expected to strip at absolute peak after finishing just eight metres behind Self Assured when fifth in last Saturday night’s South East Derby from gate five.
And with the All Stars’ Self Assured drawn four on the front line, Lochinvar Art in six and Our Princess Tiffany on the outside of the second row, Make Way will get his chance.
It should also see Trojan Banner either trail or be three back on the markers, a place Barnes says is the best.
“The fence is always the spot to be in at Albion Park so I’m rapt - for both horses.”
Northview Hustler is drawn behind two very fast beginners in Eleniark and Our Uncle Sam in the A$250,000 Blacks A Fake Championship, giving Barnes hope that he can hold three back.
Newcomer to the meeting, last week’s brilliant Menangle winner Tiger Tara, drew badly in 12, as did local star Colt Thirty One, 11 on the second row.
Barnes says he’s thrilled with the way Northview Hustler will parade on Saturday night after his outstanding fourth in last week’s Sunshine Sprint.
The Hustler looked a shade unlucky after being snookered in the one-one round the home turn, then unable to find a gap in the run home, finishing with something in reserve, according to driver Hayden Barnes.
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Nathan’s comments
Wednesday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Lincoln Maree
5.11pm
“She’s finding her feet and was a bit unlucky at Taupo. She put in a few rough ones out of the gate - she was like that early in her prep and could just jump out of it - but she’s generally doing things right now. She trained well on Saturday and, with the right run, could run top three.”
Race 3: The Night Fox
6pm
“He won really well on the second day at Hawera and if he races anything like he’s training he’ll be hard to beat. He ran a 27.3 quarter during the week and I was just sitting on him. I’ll tell Craig to go forward, set an even tempo and cut him loose at the 600. I think he’s our best of the night.”
Race 6: Lincoln Lover
7.35pm
“Hopefully he’s improved since Taupo when Fergie drove him a treat in front. I actually think he’s better coming off something’s back but I’ll leave it up to Fergie. He’s up a bit in grade but has the right draw to be in it all the way.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 5: Lincoln Wave
7.32pm
“He had an easy run last week and he can go a lot faster than that. He should be hard to beat. It won’t matter if he doesn’t find the lead from six, he’ll be just as effective coming from off the pace. He’s a pretty classy horse, classier than most of those against him.”
