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
The dream’s alive but Nate tells why he’ll wait for ‘Harry’ before racing Eric again
Ray gives reformed Rascal his ‘most likely to succeed’ report from the pole on Friday night
Ray doesn’t pull any punches about Sugar Ray but punters weigh in nonetheless
Partners and pedigree made Johnny Lincoln’s win special - but where was everyone?
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate 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
“He 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.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Leo Lincoln
5.59pm
“He’s racing very well. He would have run second last week (to American Me) had he not spooked at the winning post. These are tidy horses he’s racing against but he’s holding his own.”
Race 1: Kevin Kline
5.59pm
“He’ll go better back to a mobile start. He did well to finish so close last week after a slow start than having to do all the donkey work when parked for the last lap. Maurice really likes him because he just puts him into cruise control and he keeps going.”
Race 3: Lincoln Downs
6.58pm
“She’s not as good as the other filly but some lift their game when the money’s up so maybe she can pick up a cheque.”
Race 3: Lincoln’s Spice
6.58pm
“She looks a pretty decent chance of winning. She’s a real little tradesman, does nothing wrong, is easy to handle, is a nice drive, tries hard, is great gaited and has the potential to get stronger.”
Race 5: Tyson
7.51pm
“We found out he raced with a virus last time. The next morning snot was pouring out his nose and that’s why he didn’t finish it off as well as we expected. He only whacked away in the run home. With that gone, he should race better.”
Race 5: Johnny Lincoln
7.51pm
“I think he’ll be competitive and he’s the best of ours in the race. He won well last week and has trained on well. He’s promising. I couldn’t go as far as to say he’s a classic colt yet but we’ll find out soon enough.”
Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.51pm
“He’s doing my head in. He had no excuse for breaking last week. Maurice (McKendry) didn’t blame the wet track. He said he was gliding along, travelling beautifully, when for no apparent reason he put in big steps. I’ll put a hood on him this time to see if it’s a nervous issue.”
Race 8: The Rascal
9.23pm
“All going well, he should win what is a poor maiden field. He’s elevated himself from the transfer list and is going well now. He doesn’t have huge gate speed, so he may not lead but he should get a good trip from one. On paper, he’s our best chance of the night.”
