Carl Officer, IN THE DRESS, on his stag do at the races with the Four Legs syndicate which part-owns Northview Hustler.
No more dressing up to see Hustler as the little trooper sets off to campaign in Brisbane
By Barry Lichter • 27 April 2019
Lincoln Farms flagship pacer Northview Hustler will be on a flight to Brisbane on Friday to join former stablemate Trojan Banner, his owners frustrated at the lack of opportunities for him here.
The five-year-old will join the Marburg stable of Al Barnes, who is already training Trojan Banner and Lincoln’s Girl for Lincoln Farms, and will be aimed at the A$50,000 Sunshine Sprint and A$200,000 Blacks A Fake at the July carnival.
Hustler, who was all primed to resume at Alexandra Park on Friday night, missed out on a run when the race he was entered for was cancelled because of insufficient nominations.
And after consulting with Auckland Trotting Club racing manager Regan Cotter about future programmes, Lincoln Farms boss John Street and business manager Ian Middleton believe they have no option than to send the horse overseas.
Northview Hustler beats Star Galleria with an all-the-way win in the Spring Cup last September. PHOTO: Joel Gillan/Race Images.Despite beating Star Galleria in the Spiring Cup last campaign, Hustler showed he was just below the top pacers in New Zealand.
But if he is to race in the second tier, Hustler faces starting from long handicaps, relentless chasing that can easily break horses’ hearts.
In Brisbane, Hustler can race every Saturday night for A$14,000 in much weaker company and Barnes believes the timing is perfect for him with many of the state’s top pacers nearing the end of their careers.
“He’ll be coming in on fresh legs into company that’s not that strong and I’ll have time to get him ready for the big winter features.’’
In his email to Lincoln Farms’ partners in Northview Hustler, Middleton says it was with trepidation that he brought the news of the horse’s departure, knowing how much they liked to be at Alexandra Park to watch him race. A feature of Lincoln Farms’ partnerships is the camaraderie that develops through its hospitality on race nights.
But to get the best return on their investment Brisbane seemed the obvious choice.
Four Legs syndicate manager Carl Officer admits he received the news with some sadness but acknowledges the need for the move.
While he and his seven Hamilton mates were enjoying the renaissance of their horse Trojan Banner in Brisbane, where he is unbeaten in five starts, the chance for a night out at Auckland was precious.
“When we saw Hustler in the noms on Monday we were really happy because it’s been nearly five months since we’ve been to the races.’’
There was never a dull moment when Officer and his mates turned up to watch Hustler.
They even went en masse to Christchurch for cup week, only to see Hustler withdrawn from the New Zealand Cup.
Now Officer says they have a big decision to make on whether to plan a Queensland jaunt to watch Hustler and Trojan Banner, or to save up to buy into another Lincoln Farms’ horse.
“We’re catching up for one of the boy’s birthdays this weekend and it will be on the agenda.’’
The Four Legs syndicate races Northview Hustler with John and Lynne Street, Middleton, Ian Gradwell, Chris Western and Shannon Flay.
His record stands at eight wins and seven placings from 41 starts for $127,471 in stakes.
Hustler’s owners and friends celebrating in the winners’ circle at Alexandra Park. PHOTO: Joel Gillan/Race Images.
More news in Harness
Ray: Sammy Lincoln has ‘turned the corner’ and can go on with it on Friday night
Wide draws to overcome but Spirit Of God and Jessie Lincoln should both be competitive
Lincoln Farms turns Spiritual Bliss into a big winner - and now she’s off to the States
Emotional night at the Park as Sammy Lincoln steps up for John and his sister Maree
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Spirit Of God
5.44pm
“She’s definitely a chance as she has enough speed. The raw ability is there and I’m sure she’s as good as any of them ability wise. You can forget she went round at Auckland last week as she locked wheels 600 out.”
Race 1: Jessie Lincoln
5.44pm
“There’s not a lot between her and Spirit Of God. The other filly is probably a bit fitter than Jessie but she worked well today and I think she’ll be very competitive. It depends on what sort of run she gets (from eight).”
Race 5: Lincoln Maree
7.39pm
“I can’t label her as a betting proposition from the draw, and in a tougher field, but you can never discount her as you know she’ll put herself in the race. You saw what she did last week - it doesn’t matter where she draws, she’ll launch.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Marylynes Boy
5.56pm
“Last week’s run was a non-event but he went well on debut. He’d have to be a shot, drawn the inside.”
Race 4: Sugar Ray Lincoln
6.57pm
“It’s a shame he hasn’t had more economical trips - he’s had some tough runs - and keeps going good races. He should go well again.”
Race 4: Lincoln Wave
6.57pm
“He burned himself out early in the derby. There was no race for him last week but he’s training well and should be right in it. His best races have been on the front end.”
Race 8: Rivergirl Bella
8.56pm
“She’s got the draw and will lead out but she’s no match for Sammy Lincoln and looks better placed at Cambridge.”
Race 8: Sammy Lincoln
8.56pm
“I think he’s turned the corner and can go on with the job. He will have gained a lot in confidence from last week’s win. We haven’t really tried him out of the gate but he’s a good horse who is improving all the time.”
Race 8: Prince Lincoln
8.56pm
“He pulled too hard when caught back on the markers last week. He’s got the same inside second row draw so we’ve taken the blinds off or he’d over-race again. When he draws a (good) gate we’ll put them back on again. Obviously he’s best on the front end.”
