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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Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Bettor My Dreamz
“I think he’s a chance from the draw. He’s had only a handful of starts but I don’t think they’re much better than him, a bit more experienced perhaps. But he’s an improver and David said he felt improved at the workouts last Saturday.”
Race 2: Just Wing It
“Andre’s keen on him - he could have driven the other horse - so we’ll see what sort of a judge he is. I’ve been very happy with him in the last few weeks - he’s pacing a lot better.”
Race 5: Sir Tiger
“He’s done a great job so far but he’s jumping up in class and he’ll be up against it from now on, especially from that second row draw. He just lacks a yard of speed.”
Race 7: The Empress
“She’ll go well again and just needs some luck from the inside second row. There’s not a lot between her and Bettor My Dreamz. She’s a lovely mare.”
Ray’s comments
Saturday night at Melton
Race 8: Perfect Stride
11pm NZ time
“I’m confident he’ll go well. I couldn’t say I’m overly confident he’ll beat them but all things being fair and equal I think he’ll be right there. He’s certainly ready to go. His work this morning was super and he’s really feeling good.”
Al’s comments
Saturday night at Albion Park
Race 6: Northview Hustler
9.40pm NZ time
“It’s only an eight horse field and he should get a great trip behind the leader. It was only (lack of) fitness that got him last week but he should be winning this week.”
