Carl Officer, IN THE DRESS, on his stag do at the races with the Four Legs syndicate which part-owns Northview Hustler.
No more dressing up to see Hustler as the little trooper sets off to campaign in Brisbane
By Barry Lichter • 27 April 2019
Lincoln Farms flagship pacer Northview Hustler will be on a flight to Brisbane on Friday to join former stablemate Trojan Banner, his owners frustrated at the lack of opportunities for him here.
The five-year-old will join the Marburg stable of Al Barnes, who is already training Trojan Banner and Lincoln’s Girl for Lincoln Farms, and will be aimed at the A$50,000 Sunshine Sprint and A$200,000 Blacks A Fake at the July carnival.
Hustler, who was all primed to resume at Alexandra Park on Friday night, missed out on a run when the race he was entered for was cancelled because of insufficient nominations.
And after consulting with Auckland Trotting Club racing manager Regan Cotter about future programmes, Lincoln Farms boss John Street and business manager Ian Middleton believe they have no option than to send the horse overseas.
Northview Hustler beats Star Galleria with an all-the-way win in the Spring Cup last September. PHOTO: Joel Gillan/Race Images.Despite beating Star Galleria in the Spiring Cup last campaign, Hustler showed he was just below the top pacers in New Zealand.
But if he is to race in the second tier, Hustler faces starting from long handicaps, relentless chasing that can easily break horses’ hearts.
In Brisbane, Hustler can race every Saturday night for A$14,000 in much weaker company and Barnes believes the timing is perfect for him with many of the state’s top pacers nearing the end of their careers.
“He’ll be coming in on fresh legs into company that’s not that strong and I’ll have time to get him ready for the big winter features.’’
In his email to Lincoln Farms’ partners in Northview Hustler, Middleton says it was with trepidation that he brought the news of the horse’s departure, knowing how much they liked to be at Alexandra Park to watch him race. A feature of Lincoln Farms’ partnerships is the camaraderie that develops through its hospitality on race nights.
But to get the best return on their investment Brisbane seemed the obvious choice.
Four Legs syndicate manager Carl Officer admits he received the news with some sadness but acknowledges the need for the move.
While he and his seven Hamilton mates were enjoying the renaissance of their horse Trojan Banner in Brisbane, where he is unbeaten in five starts, the chance for a night out at Auckland was precious.
“When we saw Hustler in the noms on Monday we were really happy because it’s been nearly five months since we’ve been to the races.’’
There was never a dull moment when Officer and his mates turned up to watch Hustler.
They even went en masse to Christchurch for cup week, only to see Hustler withdrawn from the New Zealand Cup.
Now Officer says they have a big decision to make on whether to plan a Queensland jaunt to watch Hustler and Trojan Banner, or to save up to buy into another Lincoln Farms’ horse.
“We’re catching up for one of the boy’s birthdays this weekend and it will be on the agenda.’’
The Four Legs syndicate races Northview Hustler with John and Lynne Street, Middleton, Ian Gradwell, Chris Western and Shannon Flay.
His record stands at eight wins and seven placings from 41 starts for $127,471 in stakes.
Hustler’s owners and friends celebrating in the winners’ circle at Alexandra Park. PHOTO: Joel Gillan/Race Images.
More news in Harness
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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.”
