We love seeing the Hustler smoking along in front - they’ll have to be good to run him down
By Barry Lichter • 11 February 2021
Drawn to lead and with only five rivals, Northview Hustler will get his chance to score again at Albion Park on Saturday night, says trainer Al Barnes.
The last time Northview Hustler led, four starts back, he won, clocking a mile rate of 1:52.5 for the 1660 metres, only four tenths of a section slower than last week’s brilliant winner Turn It Up.
At a casual glance the Hustler might not have looked so good in that race last Saturday but his performance belied the sixth placing.
“His sectionals were brilliant,” says Barnes. “And he was running them wide on the track.”
Northview Hustler, widest at the back, unleashing his brilliant last 400.Forced to go back from a wide draw, the Hustler was still last, and three wide, at the 400, but he sizzled home in 53.89 and 26.89, the closing section bettered only by runner-up Imasportsstar (26.61) who enjoyed a pegs run until the turn.
“It was a great run because he was a little big and we thought he’d run out of puff.
“He looks a ready made leader from two on Saturday as the one horse (Subtle Delight) will take a sit.”
Northview Hustler will also be suited more by the extra trip, stepping up to 2138 metres.
“Both Major Cam and Lets Katchmeifucan will be hard to beat, with Major Cam the hardest. But he’ll have to run a good half to catch us. We know what we can run in front.”
Earlier, in the second race, Larry Lincoln also lands a better draw than last week when he could manage only fourth from two on the second row.
Drawing four on Saturday will allow the horse to be driven a little more quietly, says Barnes.
“He just had no luck in the running last week and Hayden had to go too far from home. But he can’t sprint from the 800, he needs to pull out at the 400.”
The long, explosive burst from the back took its toll, with Larry Lincoln’s run coming to an end 200 metres from home, seeing him 8.9 metres from the winner in fourth in a fast 1:53.6 mile rate.
“He’ll go forward on Saturday and find a position and then we can drive him more quietly. The 2138 metre trip isn’t ideal but he’s up to them and he’ll be OK driven colder.”
Larry Lincoln races at 9.07pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.
Northview Hustler races at 11.17pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.
More news in Harness
Davine snaps up fleet-footed Debbie Lincoln but you can still follow her in Queensland
It’s Christmas-New Year Bliss for Phillips but just who has his mare fallen in love with?
Prince set to sign off 2025 in style but Ray tips out two specials to follow in the New Year
Spiritual Bliss notches hat-trick and pushes Lincoln Farms’ season tally to record 43
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Wednesday at Auckland
Race 5: Prince Lincoln
5.10pm
“I can’t believe he’s not picked in four (on the HRNZ website). He actually headed Cyclone Rebel last start but switched off. We’ve added sliding blinds which seem to have helped in training and he’s got to be a good each-way chance. He just needs a bit of luck from six on the gate.”
Race 5: Johnny Lincoln
5.10pm
“He’ll need some luck from the outside but hopefully he can still get a cheque. He doesn’t have as much speed as Prince Lincoln.”
Race 7: Spiritual Bliss
6pm
“I think she’ll be able to handle the rise in class. She’s a pretty good mare who keeps finding when the pressure goes on. It won’t be easy but she has a good draw and has already run a mile in 1:55.3.”
Race 7: Debbie Lincoln
6pm
“It’s hard to know how she compares with Spiritual Bliss but I think they’re both chances. Debbie Lincoln is still the fastest three-year-old to win over 1700 metres around Alexandra Park and she was excellent again when just pipped by Tyson last time.”
Race 12: Tyson
8.38pm
“The rise in class won’t stop him. If they go a bit harder, he can still run a 56 half off a solid pace. He’s improving all the time, more than I thought he would. He could easily win again.”
Race 12: Leo Lincoln
8.38pm
“We threw him in the deep end first-up when he really needed another trial. That race will bring him on a bit but I think he’ll need another before we see him at his best.”
Ray’s comments
Sunday at Cambridge
Race 3: Lincoln Lover
1.38pm
“If Fergie drives him right, and can get the front, he should win. It was only a sprint up the straight last time and he’s not a sit-sprinter, he needs to be out and trucking. This is the weakest field he’s met.”
Race 3: Lincoln Downs
1.38pm
“Wide on the second row isn’t a good draw but she’s not brilliant out of the gate anyway. She’ll need a lot of luck.”
Race 9: Lincoln Maree
5.07pm
“She’s no superstar but, if things go her way, she’s a chance. She didn’t beat much at Manawatu but she’s the highest rated in the field and has a nice enough draw.”
