Northview Hustler is likely to debut in the Flashing Red, a race named after the dual NZ Cup winner, pictured here scoring in 2007.
Red light flashing - Hustler set to debut on Saturday week in race named after cup hero
By Barry Lichter • 8 May 2019
Trainer Al Barnes is set to throw Northview Hustler in the deep end for his Queensland debut and tackle a feature race he’s always wanted to win.
Hustler had his first fast work today since arriving in Queensland and pleased Barnes, who has his sights on the A$22,000 Flashing Red, a discretionary handicap over 2600 metres from a stand on Saturday week.
“We’re just getting to know him but, so long as his fitness levels are where we want, it looks a good race for him.
“Being rated only c6 over here he’ll get in on the front line and they’ll have to catch him.’’
Barnes expects the race to draw a good quality field, with the likes of Colt Thirty One and Saloon Passage, but says it will give him a good idea of whether Hustler can win a race like the Blacks A Fake, Queensland’s marquee event on July 20.
“He’s eligible for easier races and that’s the debate we had. Do we put him in a weak race for an easy kill or throw him in the deep end?’’
Barnes says he’d love to win the Flashing Red, named after the old iron horse who won the 2006 and 2007 New Zealand Cups for Tim and Anthony Butt.
Barnes knew the horse well after preparing him for 12 months in Brisbane when he was private trainer for part-owner Stu Hunter.
“He ran second in a Victoria Cup and should have won the Hunter Cup when he got on a wheel at the top of the straight and ran third.’’
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Ray’s comments
Wednesday at Auckland
Race 5: Prince Lincoln
5.10pm
“I can’t believe he’s not picked in four (on the HRNZ website). He actually headed Cyclone Rebel last start but switched off. We’ve added sliding blinds which seem to have helped in training and he’s got to be a good each-way chance. He just needs a bit of luck from six on the gate.”
Race 5: Johnny Lincoln
5.10pm
“He’ll need some luck from the outside but hopefully he can still get a cheque. He doesn’t have as much speed as Prince Lincoln.”
Race 7: Spiritual Bliss
6pm
“I think she’ll be able to handle the rise in class. She’s a pretty good mare who keeps finding when the pressure goes on. It won’t be easy but she has a good draw and has already run a mile in 1:55.3.”
Race 7: Debbie Lincoln
6pm
“It’s hard to know how she compares with Spiritual Bliss but I think they’re both chances. Debbie Lincoln is still the fastest three-year-old to win over 1700 metres around Alexandra Park and she was excellent again when just pipped by Tyson last time.”
Race 12: Tyson
8.38pm
“The rise in class won’t stop him. If they go a bit harder, he can still run a 56 half off a solid pace. He’s improving all the time, more than I thought he would. He could easily win again.”
Race 12: Leo Lincoln
8.38pm
“We threw him in the deep end first-up when he really needed another trial. That race will bring him on a bit but I think he’ll need another before we see him at his best.”
Ray’s comments
Sunday at Cambridge
Race 3: Lincoln Lover
1.38pm
“If Fergie drives him right, and can get the front, he should win. It was only a sprint up the straight last time and he’s not a sit-sprinter, he needs to be out and trucking. This is the weakest field he’s met.”
Race 3: Lincoln Downs
1.38pm
“Wide on the second row isn’t a good draw but she’s not brilliant out of the gate anyway. She’ll need a lot of luck.”
Race 9: Lincoln Maree
5.07pm
“She’s no superstar but, if things go her way, she’s a chance. She didn’t beat much at Manawatu but she’s the highest rated in the field and has a nice enough draw.”
