Sorry, Hustler, but with a heart rate like that we’ve simply got to increase your workload
By Barry Lichter • 30 July 2020
Frustrated trainer Al Barnes has upped the workload of Northview Hustler after he punctured and pulled up with a high heart rate at Albion Park last week.
But, faced by three serious and in-form rivals in Cruz, Our Uncle Sam and Sydney newcomer Bright Energy, Barnes isn’t expecting the Hustler to test the judge on Saturday night.
Barnes couldn’t believe it when, despite finding his favourite pacemaking role in the Lucky Creed, the Hustler was under pressure turning for home and weakened to run 15.5 metres last.
“But his heart rate afterwards was 115, when it should have been down to about 80, so it seems like it’s his fitness that is not where it needs to be.
“That sounds strange after he’s had five races back now but we’ve been trying to do the right thing by him and have probably just been too kind to him.
“We’ve tried to look after his joints by not working him hard and he’s done too well. He’s eating too well and is bigger than he’s ever been.”
Starting this week, however, Barnes has started dishing it up to the horse, hoppling him on both Tuesday and Thursday, instead of just galloping him.
“He’s obviously got improvement to make fitness-wise but even though his runs look disappointing on paper, he’s not going badly on the clock. He’s obviously not at his best but they’re going so fast.”
Albion Park races are much faster now than when Northview Hustler won the Flashing Red last year. PHOTO: Dan Costello.Winner Kid Montana posted a mile rate of 1:56.5 in winning last week’s 2680 metre feature, compared with the Hustler’s 1:57.3 for the slightly shorter 2647 metres when he won the Flashing Red in his Australian debut in May, 2019.
Three starts back the Hustler recorded the second fastest closing sectionals in the Wondai’s Mate, sizzling home from the back in 53.63 and 25.98 and could run only eighth.
“When they’re running track record times and you’ve got to do it from behind you’ve got no chance.”
On Saturday night the Hustler is favoured with another front line draw but from five Barnes says he can’t see the horse being able to cross Maywyn’s Best inside him.
And he knows where the horse will finish if he’s forced to breeze on a 1:51 mile.
Cruz, winner of both the Wondai’s Mate and Mr Feelgood, is set to start a hot favourite but he should be seriously challenged by Our Uncle Sam and Bright Energy who boasts a 13 wins from 22 start record for Craig Cross.
Bright Energy, who is fresh, paced a 1:49.8 mile at Menangle in February and recently trialled there in 1:52.6.
Barnes is looking forward to the interstate horses going home but says he’ll just get the Hustler into the routine of consistent work and weekly racing.
“It’s frustrating but at least he’s sound and has no problems so we’ll keep trying.”
Northview Hustler races at 8.12pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.
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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.”
