The arrows point to the four infections that burst out of Northview Hustler’s front feet before he raced on Saturday night.
The pictures say it all: Four good reasons why the Hustler failed to fire at Menangle
By Barry Lichter • 16 February 2020
There was a very good reason why Northview Hustler failed to show his customary dash at Menangle on Saturday night - both his front feet were sore.
Trainer Al Barnes says when he arrived at the track on Saturday night and checked the horse he discovered infections had burst out of both the horse’s front feet.
“He didn’t show any sign of a problem before he left home for Sydney on Wednesday but when I lifted his feet before the race I was shattered. Infections had burst out of both sides of his heels.
“It was still a bit pussy and while horses normally feel relief after infections burst he was a bit tender and I knew he wouldn’t be at his best. You can just put a line through the race.
“The farrier here said he’d never seen four infections burst at the same time.”
Barnes says he didn’t scratch the horse, to avoid a mandatory 28-day stand down, and is confident he’ll be back to normal in a few days.
Barnes says Hustler has been tender in his feet for some time, without showing any signs of soreness, and he wonders how long the problem had been brewing.
“It’s just a shame it’s buggered up our trip but we’ll look after him and change plans.”
Barnes says he’s confident Luke McCarthy and Craig Cross will get the Hustler back to full health at Cobbitty Farm outside Sydney.
“I’ll come down as often as I can but he’s in good hands and should be fine to race in two weeks. We’ll just have to target different races.”
Instead of the $1 million Miracle Mile on March 7, Barnes says the A$100,000 Group I Bohemia Crystal (mobile 2400m) on the undercard would become the main aim.
“I know it’s disappointing. We made a plan and prepared for it and it just goes to show how easily things can be brought undone.
“But we should see a really good horse in three weeks. It’s a different style of racing at Menangle and he’s had a run there now.”
Northview Hustler ($3.80 fav), driven by McCarthy, finished last, 13.8 metres from winner Flaming Flutter on Saturday night. He dropped straight to the back from the outside gate and never cleared the rear, flushed widest turning for home and unable to pass a horse in the stretch.
The winner ran the mile in 1:53.4, closing in 55.4 and 27.3, times the Hustler is well capable of beating when right.
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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.”
Mark Dux’s comments
Saturday night at Albion Park
Race 6: Captain Nemo
9.40pm NZ time
“I rate him a good top three chance. I’m really happy with the horse. It’s a decent drop in grade for him and I think maybe we roll the dice, go forward, and take our chances. As long as he doesn’t have to burn stupidly off the gate, if he can find the top, they’ll know he’s in the race.”
