Hustler roars home in quiet trial and shows he’s nearly ready to rumble again
By Barry Lichter • 14 January 2020
Northview Hustler showed he had lost none of his ability when he ripped home a fast last quarter in an Albion Park trial yesterday.
And the horse is doing so well in his new preparation, trainer Al Barnes has him on target to resume racing on February 1.
Having his first strong hitout since injuring a tendon when winning his last start in September, the Hustler was allowed to trundle along at the rear of the six-horse field.
Driver Hayden Barnes didn’t pull out until late in the straight and the six-year-old exploded home for fifth, only 7.8 metres from winner Invincible Loxton.
Northview Husler is travelling comfortably at the line.“Hayden said he felt super. He would have run home in a very low 26 and did it within himself.
“I was happy the young fella (Angus Gerrard) led and only went steadily, as 1:57.7 was a good mile time for him to go first-up, rather than 1:53.”
Barnes reported Hustler’s heart rate was 91, indicating he had done a good bit of work in the trial which turned into only a scoot home.
“He’s pretty well ready to go now but he’ll have another, slightly more serious trial next Tuesday, then should be ready to race 11 days later.”
Barnes says Hustler’s leg is looking perfect and he’s as big as he’s seen him.
Hayden Barnes, widest, opens the throttle a little on Northview Hustler close to home in his trial at Albion Park on Tuesday.“He’s huge, with a big bum and great top. He’s just got a few niggly muscles over his back end but I’ll get my muscle man on to that.”
Barnes did a sterling job with Northview Hustler last year, with four wins from 14 starts and A$53,100 in stakes, and showed he was up to the best in the state with unlucky Group I runs in both the Sunshine Sprint and Blacks A Fake last July.
Newcomer Super Easy was given an unofficial educational trial yesterday and showed he still had plenty to learn.
The unraced Art Major three-year-old paced a slow mile in about 2:07 and did a bit wrong, says Barnes.
“They went very slow then sprinted and he didn’t like that, he didn’t handle the transition from walking to sprinting.
“I’ll put him in an official trial next Tuesday where they’ll go quicker. He’s better rolling even quarters.”
Cover Boy Pretty and Joey Lincoln will have their first educational trials next week.
More news in Harness
‘He’d have run straight past them’ - Fergie tells just how unlucky Johnny Lincoln was
Fergie tells how Manawatu campaigns helped Leo Lincoln win brutal $35,000 Metro Final
Johnny Lincoln drawn to set the record straight at Alex Park on Friday night
Tyson’s knockout punch makes it 1100 for Zachary and 85 for Lincoln Farms
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 4: Dreams Of Eric
7.39pm
“He ran good time (2:41.7) last start and wasn’t given much peace in the lead. He’s an honest little fellow who is racing well and he moves in one, to five, with the early scratching. You can’t fault what he’s doing and he’s definitely a chance to get some of the money again.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Tyson
5.54pm
“He dogged up on the pole last time so we’ve taken it off this week. He’ll get his head round but at least he’ll steer better and go forward. He’s taken a little longer to come to it but he’s getting better each time and is racing well.”
Race 6: Johnny Lincoln
8.15pm
“Fergie said he’d have run straight past them with a clear run last week. There was a gap in the straight but it closed when he got to it. He’s not the best on the bends yet and can get keen but he’s a work in progress. He still has a bit to learn but he’s getting better. He should get a good trip from the pole and be right in it.”
