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.
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.”
