Northview Hustler, outer, has come to the end of his run and is pipped by Leos Best last Saturday night.
Watch Hustler stretch out more freely this week - Leo will have to do more than his best
By Barry Lichter • 22 August 2019
Fitter than last week, a little sounder and with a perfect trailing draw, Northview Hustler looks the one to beat at Albion Park on Saturday night.
The Hustler meets the same sort of field as he tackled last Saturday, when he ran out of condition late and was pipped a nose by Leos Best in his first start since the Blacks A Fake Championship in July.
And trainer Al Barnes says his second row draw should be a boon as the pole runner Chantrey is the likely leader.
“It’s only an eight horse field and he should get a great trip behind the leader.
“It was only (lack of) fitness that got him last week but he should be winning this week.”
Barnes says the Hustler should also pace better on Saturday night.
‘If you watch the replay of last week’s race he paced a bit ordinary up the home straight and his head was bobbing up and down like a galloper in the last 100 metres.
“He’s a bit soft in his soles and one foot’s been a bit sore. It’s nothing major but it kept him from striding out last week.”
Barnes says he races Northview Hustler in bonded aluminium shoes anyway to reduce the concussion but the work he has done this week should improve the horse further.
“It might take him a run to get his confidence back but within the next fortnight I’ll have him right.”
Northview Hustler is a $2.50 early favourite for Saturday night with Leos Best, who nosed him out last week, second pick at $3.50 and Chantrey next at $8.
Northview Hustler races at 9.40pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.
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Nathan’s comments
Thurday night at Cambridge
Race 2: Dreams Of Eric
6.03pm
“He’s just come back from a two-week break and seems a lot better after the freshen-up. He’s training really well but this will be like a trial for him. There looks to be a lot of speed in the race so, from five, he won’t be put into the early rush. We’re still aiming him at the Harness 5000 at Ashburton in December.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Kevin Kline
4.44pm
“He was held up last week but still got home really well, hard on their backs and, with the right trip, he’ll be dangerous. But the race looks suited to a horse like Hooray Henry who, in a small field, can sit back and outsprint them.
Race 9: Tyson
8.54pm
“We were looking to sit in with him last week but it didn’t work out. He still ran on pretty well as he always does. He just needs a bit of luck.”
Race 9: Debbie Lincoln
8.54pm
“Maurice was happy with her run last week and said she paced strongly through the line. From seven on the gate this week she’ll have to go back but I think she’s better coming from off the pace. She’s a good chance if she can get sucked into it at the right time.”
