Make Way lands pole and Hustler and Trojan not badly placed either in Brisbane features
By Barry Lichter • 16 July 2019
The chances of Lincoln Farms’ little warrior Make Way getting a slice of the A$100,000 prize money in Saturday night’s Queensland Derby took a massive leap when he drew gate one today.
And trainer Al Barnes also says he’s rapt with the inside second row draws of both Northview Hustler and Trojan Banner in Saturday’s two big features at Albion Park in Brisbane.
Trainer Sonya Smith and driver Anthony Butt couldn’t have been happier when Make Way landed the coveted pole position in the derby, knowing the horse has very good gate speed.
Make Way is expected to strip at absolute peak after finishing just eight metres behind Self Assured when fifth in last Saturday night’s South East Derby from gate five.
And with the All Stars’ Self Assured drawn four on the front line, Lochinvar Art in six and Our Princess Tiffany on the outside of the second row, Make Way will get his chance.
It should also see Trojan Banner either trail or be three back on the markers, a place Barnes says is the best.
“The fence is always the spot to be in at Albion Park so I’m rapt - for both horses.”
Northview Hustler is drawn behind two very fast beginners in Eleniark and Our Uncle Sam in the A$250,000 Blacks A Fake Championship, giving Barnes hope that he can hold three back.
Newcomer to the meeting, last week’s brilliant Menangle winner Tiger Tara, drew badly in 12, as did local star Colt Thirty One, 11 on the second row.
Barnes says he’s thrilled with the way Northview Hustler will parade on Saturday night after his outstanding fourth in last week’s Sunshine Sprint.
The Hustler looked a shade unlucky after being snookered in the one-one round the home turn, then unable to find a gap in the run home, finishing with something in reserve, according to driver Hayden Barnes.
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Our runners this week
Friday night at Cambridge
Lincoln Lover, Prince Lincoln, Debbie Lincoln, Lincoln Lou, Sugar Ray Lincoln.
Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them
Nathan’s comments
Tuesday twilight at Manawatu
Race 4: Leo Lincoln
5.44pm
“Fergie’s drive on Sunday was perfect, you couldn’t ask for better, and he said the horse was doing his best work in the last 50 metres. Maybe with another 100 metres he might have got there. His gate speed is only OK so I can see him getting crossed here.”
Race 5: Kevin Kline
6.19pm
“Fergie said he did it easily on the first day, and the horse only did what he had to. He’s been racing much nicer horses at Auckland so it was good to get the win, hopefully it will boost his confidence. I’ll leave the tactics up to Fergie but I imagine he’ll probably do the same thing again, loop the field and outstay them.”
Race 6: Onyx Shard
6.54pm
“I was hoping she’d drop down a grade. She’s had some tough trips recently, having to do a lot of work, and it didn’t help being three wide for the last lap on the first day. Also they only walked and sprinted home. She could be better coming with one run at them.”
