Trial improves Hustler but Al says he’s not ready to shoot down the Colt just yet
By Barry Lichter • 20 November 2020
Northview Hustler has improved with his trial but trainer Al Barnes has no illusions about beating state champ Colt Thirty One on Saturday night.
The Hustler resumes his interrupted preparation for the fast-closing summer features in the ninth race at Albion Park, badly drawn in six.
And while Barnes says he’s happy enough with the horse he knows it will take a couple of races before he is at his peak.
Barnes got the green light from his vet on Monday to press ahead with the Hustler after a foot abscess halted his preparation.
“We cut it out before he trialled and that’s why he was still a bit scratchy on it.
“He only sprinted for 200 metres but Hayden didn’t think he felt any good. But you’ve got to remember he’s short on fitness and his times were still good.”
Driven quietly in his 1660 metre heat between races last Thursday night, The Hustler was only allowed to run home up the home straight, closing to half a neck and five metres on all-the-way winner Blacksadance and Governor Jujon.
With the leaders pacing a mile rate of 1:54.7 and posting closing sectionals of 55.2 and 26.9, and Hustler going quicker, it wasn’t a bad effort.
“He’ll be much better for that run but what he does on Saturday, he’ll only improve on.”
Barnes said he couldn’t completely write off the Hustler despite his not having raced since October 24, when he pulled up sore.
“I didn’t think he’d go any good when he was first-up last time and he was brilliant and nearly ran down Colt Thirty One.
“But he’ll keep improving. He won’t be 100 percent for the first feature next Saturday, perhaps 90 percent, but he’ll be good enough to run on and be competitive.
“We’re looking to peak him for the big one on December 12.”
And after the carnival Barnes said the Hustler would be placed to give his owners a return and some fun, “without killing him.”
Hayden Barnes brings Larry Lincoln back after his fourth win on end on Tuesday. PHOTO: Dan Costello.Barnes isn’t worried by the fact that the impressive Larry Lincoln returns to racing over 2138 meres in the fifth race, despite his only two defeats in Queenlsand coming at the longer trip.
“The distance wasn’t the problem, it was the way we drove him,” Barnes said.
Since reverting to handling the horse much more quietly out of the gate, and using his speed late, Larry Lincoln has gone on to win four races on end, the latest on Tuesday when he ripped over the 1660 metres in a 1:54.9 mile rate.
Barnes isn’t overawed by the likely favourite Blacksadance having drawn the pole, one inside Larry.
“He’s first-up since July and we’ve got the form on the board.”
Stablemate Man Of Action, who weakened to fifth after leading on Tuesday, isn’t fancied from the outside of the second row.
“He’ll be out the back and we’ll drive him to get his confidence up then we’ll give him a little freshen-up. He’s dropped off in the coat a whisker.”
Larry Lincoln and Man Of Action race at 10.12pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.
Northview Hustler races at 12.15pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.
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No way to sugar coat it - it’s tricky to predict what Sugar Ray will do on Friday night
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.”
