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.
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Ray: Put the line through Johnny’s last run - it was a walk-fest and he copped it late
Our runners this week
Friday night at Auckland
Lincoln Downs, Lincoln’s Spice, Sammy Lincoln (not starting), Johnny Lincoln, Tyson, Sugar Ray Lincoln, Leo Lincoln, Kevin Kline, The Rascal.
Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Im Not The Maid
5.14pm
“She went pretty well last week considering they came a fast last half (56.3) and she sat parked from the 800. She’s back to the amateur grade, and should get a good run from the two draw, so hopefully we can get a bit of cash.”
Race 4: Dreams Of Eric
6.38pm
“She didn’t handle the right-handed bends at Auckland last week (galloping at the 300) so we’ll stick to Cambridge from now on. There’s a bit of gate speed in the race so Harry (Harrison Orange) should be able to sit in somewhere. I think he’s a good chance to run top three.”
