Uh oh, things just got tougher for the Hustler - but at least he can dictate from the ace
By Barry Lichter • 28 August 2020
The opposition just went up another rung with former All Stars’ speedster Ashley Locaz in the field but trainer Al Barnes says Northview Hustler can still get a cheque at Albion Park on Saturday night.
As if taking on Bright Energy, Kid Montana and Our Uncle Sam wasn’t enough, the Hustler now faces a reinvigorated Ashley Locaz who has won two recent 1660 metre trials for Vicki Rasmussen, the latest in a sharp 1:52.4 mile rate.
“The fields are definitely stronger than they were 12 months ago, with the interstate visitors, but we’ll still be competitive,” says Barnes.
“He’s up to them. He features consistently among the top three sectionals. He just needs some luck and he’s drawn to make his own luck on Saturday night.”
Northview Hustler will roll out from the pole and, while Barnes says he doesn’t have to be in front, “I prefer him there, doing his own thing.
“But it’s hard to know what will happen at the start. Bright Energy has brilliant gate speed and he could cross us all if he wanted to, even from seven.
“There are four in there who can win. Ashley Locaz will be hard to roll but it will just depend on what happens in the running.”
Ashley Locaz, nearest camera, leads home an All Stars’ trifecta in the Two-year-old Emerald at Ashburton, downing The Devils Own and Spankem. PHOTO: Race Images.Ashley Locaz, winner of 10 of his 38 starts, already boasts a 1:50.1 mile win at Menangle and a close runner-up slot to Poster Boy in his 1:49.1 Chariots Of Fire triumph.
“We should comfortably run a 1:52 mile, or quicker, but that will also give Kid Montana the chance to peel off our back and beat us.”
Barnes says the Hustler has responded well to a week off racing.
While the horse raced very well last start, coming from the back row for a late closing third to Fame Assured and Bright Energy, Barnes says he was starting to feel his nearside fetlock joint again.
“He usually lasts a month and then we have to work on him again.”
Barnes injected the Hustler two days after his race, only jogging him for the rest of the week to let his joints settle down before resuming fast work this week.
The previous time he treated the horse he made the mistake of rushing him back into racing the following week, and the Hustler was well underdone after having no fast work.
“But he seems very sharp at home this time, he’s had a better preparation, and I’m sure he’ll race as honestly as he usually does.”
Barnes says its not surprising the fields are so strong in Queensland, which is offering the best prizemoney, and the most racing, in Australia at the moment.
Reinforcements
And, while he will welcome two new reinforcements from Lincoln Farms on Monday in the form of Man Of Action and Larry Lincoln, Barnes says they will need to be on their game.
The All Stars’ Amazing Dream was going to be a real force in the three-year-old races after debuting in the state last week with a 1:52.3 mile, when flashing late to be pipped only half a neck.
And earlier this week Copy That’s Sires’ Stakes Final nemesis One Change opened his Brisbane account with a strong 1:55.2 mile rate win over 2138 metres.
Northview Hustler races at 9.07pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.
More news in Harness
Video clue on why Lincoln Lover is tipped to go boldly fresh-up at Auckland on Friday night
A picture of Bliss but poor Harry’s arms were nearly pulled out of their sockets
Ultra-consistent Kevin Kline sold to the United States: Why Ray’s sorry to lose him
Nate having a last spin round on his wee mate Eric - and he’s in with a very good chance
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Manawatu
Race 4: Spiritual Bliss
6.25pm
“She won well on the first day but pulled very hard - Harry said his arms were that tired afterwards he couldn’t have lifted a 1kg dumb bell. She’s meeting a few nice ones here, up in grade, but she’s drawn better so you can’t count her out. She tries hard and really digs in.”
Race 7: Lincoln Downs
7.50pm
“She did everything right on Tuesday but she blew heavily afterwards and I think the heat got to her. She’s a place chance if she recovers OK.”
Race 8: Lincoln Maree
8.22pm
“She was jumping shadows on Tuesday and moves to the last race this time but she’s not the most genuine so I’m not holding my breath.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 3: Lincoln Lover
6.28pm
“He hasn’t raced for three months but trialled really well. I pick he’s going to win one pretty quickly and, given he’s been running against the best two-year-olds in his previous preps, it should really be on Friday night. This lot of maidens aren’t in the same class and he’s as honest as they come, a tough little trier.”
Race 6: Debbie Lincoln
8.09pm
“She’s really up against it from the outside of the second line, with all the favourites drawn well. She has to be the unluckest animal on the planet. With her, what can go wrong will. Even at the best of times you need a reasonable draw to figure but drawn in the bondocks here she’ll need incredible luck.”
Race 8: Sugar Ray Lincoln
9.09pm
“He had a short break while some vet work was done but is in good trim. Yes, there are a few in here that are vastly higher rated but his formline says it all - it’s not often he doesn’t get a cheque.”
Race 8: Tyson
9.09pm
“He was a bit unlucky last week that he didn’t get to them a bit sooner otherwise I think he would have won. Maurice said he thought they’d come back to him more, going 2:39 speed, but his closing sectionals were easily the best in the race.”
Race 10: Prince Lincoln
10.09pm
“He’s grown into a beautiful horse, a quality looking colt, and who knows what he could be. He’ll obviously improve with the run but I still expect him to run well from his good draw. He trialled very well behind a good one.”
Race 10: Johnny Lincoln
10.09pm
“He’s drawn a bit awkwardly in seven, which gives Prince Lincoln the edge, but he too was making good ground in the workout.”
