Small field, mostly same rivals, sees Hustler hot to get same result on Saturday night
By Barry Lichter • 29 August 2019
Against virtually the same field he beat last week, Northview Hustler looks a royal chance of making it back-to-back wins at Albion Park on Saturday night.
Only six rivals are carded against the Hustler in the fourth race, and only one of those is a newcomer, the well performed ex-Kiwi Watch Pulp Fiction.
And trainer Al Barnes says that will be the norm for the foreseeable future with the inter-state visitors gone and many of the first and even second tier horses out spelling.
“It should be another comfortable race for him on Saturday. I won’t say he’ll win every week but he’ll certainly be top three.
“And it’s still good money.”
The Hustler banked A$7990 last week and is up for the same again on Saturday with the A$14,700 stake - and Barnes says he’ll face the starter in even better nick.
Northview Hustler has Chantrey well covered near the finish last week.After having his fetlocks injected, the horse has been much sounder and keener in his work.
“He’s feeling good and seems much brighter. The chiropractor came on Monday and couldn’t find anything wrong with him.”
On previous occasions the Hustler has had problems with his back end, Barnes said.
Drawn six, with regular driver Hayden Barnes back aboard, the Hustler is expected to play the waiting game on Saturday night before using his electric speed.
But he’s sure to keep an eye on pole runner Watch Pulp Fiction, who looks his only potential stumbling block.
Watch Pulp Fiction is having his first race for nearly a month after some good form at the winter carnival. He pipped Northview Hustler for third in the Group I Sunshine Sprint then ran a brave fourth in the Group I A$250,000 Blacks A Fake Championship behind Colt Thirty One. His last-start second was behind the talented Major Cam.
Barnes is confident, however, that the Hustler can put his superior speed to good effect at his favourite distance of 2138 metres.
Last week he was clocked to run home in a sizzling 54.1.
Northview Hustler races at 8.42pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.
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Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 3: Jessie Lincoln
6.39pm
“She was very good first-up - Harry said she was still coming at the line - and I’m sure she’ll go pretty well again. The way she trains over 2400 metres, you’d think the extra 500 metres will help.”
Race 3: Lincoln Downs
6.39pm
“I was quite happy with her last run at Cambridge, she’s improved a lot since Auckland. It’s a shame she’s got a bad draw this week but if she can hit the line well again, I’ll be happy.”
Race 5: Dreams Of Eric
7.34pm
“I think he’ll be a good chance because he continues to train very well. I’ll leave it up to Harry how he drives him this week but you’d think he’d lead again.”
Nathan’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 3: Tyson
6.52pm
“He had to do a bit much work last time - from a niggly draw he went round and sat parked. He’s drawn three on Friday, which is perfect, as he can just mooch up there. He keeps going good races in stronger fields and needs two more starts and some more points to qualify for the Golden Gait.”
Race 8: Kevin Kline
9.24pm
“He’s up against the better ones now, like Cold Chisel, but he keeps doing a good job. He’s a tough horse who keeps improving and he’s training really well. I thought he’d be a chance.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Addington
Race 7: Debbie Lincoln
8.09pm
“I was pretty pleased with the way she went last time. It was unfortunate she had to cop such a tough trip but she showed she is competitive - not many in the race could have done what she did. Maurice said if he’d pushed her out, she would have finished a bit closer. I can’t fault her. She recovered quickly and looks great. She’s no 100-to-one shot. All she needs is a bit of luck.”
