Hayden Barnes brings Northview Hustler back after his terrific win last week. PHOTO: Dan Costello.
Al: They’ll have to scoot to get past the Hustler who now has a real spring in his step
By Barry Lichter • 4 September 2020
With his confidence at an all time high, Northview Hustler is the one to beat at Albion Park on Saturday night.
The Hustler’s luck has really turned, landing the pole position for the second week on end, and he will start a solid second favourite in the third race behind Ashley Locaz.
Trainer All Barnes says he can’t recall seeing another horse so switched on by a win, the Hustler having a real spring in his step this week after leading all the way last Saturday night.
“Having that kill has really helped him. He pulled up really well and has been really sharp this week, working stronger.”
Barnes says he is confident the Hustler can run in the top two again, stepping up from 1660 metres to his more preferred 2138 metres.
“Now that he’s at the top of his game, he doesn’t need to go slow like last week to win.
“He’s definitely the one to catch. They’ll have to park outside us to beat us.”
Barnes accepts former All Stars’ runner Ashley Locaz, drawn awkwardly in five, will be improved for his run last week, when he faced the breeze and, under pressure, battled into third.
“He has to step up to 2138 metres on Saturday. That run last week will help him but it will help us more. Hustler had a two week break before his last run and we know we have to race him every week to see the best of him.”
Barnes says the field is no stronger than last week, and is missing the speedy Bright Energy.
“Something might have a look at us for 100 or 200 metres but I can’t see too much pressure being put on him.
“He’s gone a 1:53.1 mile rate for 2138 metres before and there aren’t many over here that can match that.”
Meanwhile Barnes reports that Lincoln Farms’ latest imports Man Of Action and Larry Lincoln have arrived in good condition.
“They look ready to go but I’ll probably give them a quiet trial next week to have a look at the track.”
Northview Hustler races at 8.40pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.
More news in Harness
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Lincoln Wave super and Sammy Lincoln super unlucky - two three-year-olds worth following
Long wait over to see why Lincoln Wave and Sammy Lincoln are fancied by Lincoln Farms
Second row draws against Prince Lincoln and Spiritual Bliss but they’re still favourites
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Sammy Lincoln
5.48pm
“Sammy Lincoln has a bit more speed than Lincoln Wave - he’s very fast for a big, rangy horse - but he might be vulnerable on Friday - he could experience difficulty on the corners going right-handed. He won’t be a maiden for long.”
Race 2: Lincoln Wave
5.48pm
“I’d say he’d be the more reliable of our two. He was clearly our best two-year-old before he got injured and we’ve waited a long time for him. He’s a powerful colt and should have a bright future.”
Race 5: Johnny Lincoln
7.13pm
“The seven draw is a bit awkward but he’s trained on really well since Cambridge and I’m picking he’ll go really well.”
Race 8: Tyson
8.38pm
“He had a week off after his last run at Auckland, but I don’t think he’ll be short of a run. He’ll come back into the fray as tough as ever.”
Race 8: Spiritual Bliss
8.38pm
“She was incredibly unlucky at Cambridge. The gap opened up for Harrison, he tried to push through, then it closed on him. If she led, she’d be the one to beat. She’s a nice mare and she’s pretty tough, she doesn’t give it up.”
Ray’s comments
Monday at Taupo
Race 2: Lincoln Maree
11.55am
“She’s been held up from awkward draws lately but gets the inside on Monday. She has limited ability but is racing really well and there are no superstars in the field. I think she’ll be fine on the grass as she’s good-gaited and wears no boots. She tries very hard and looks to have a decent show.”
Race 7: Lincoln Lover
2.17pm
“He’s the consummate tradesman, reliable and honest and deserves a win. He was only beaten by the passing lane runner last time after sitting parked for the last lap. He’s drawn to lead here and if he does that he’ll be hard to beat.”
