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 1: Lincoln Linda
5.55pm
“She needed the run last week. Even though she galloped in the score-up, her manners are definitely improving as she didn’t pull in the running. She’ll be sharper this week so hopefully she’ll pace away and get the job done. It looks a pretty even field.”
Race 4: Lincoln Lover
7.18pm
“He only battled away last start and Fergie said he wasn’t really on the bit at the back of the field. He’s been racing for a while and might be a bit fatigued. The outside draw doesn’t help either and Soul Artist was very impressive winning last time.”
Race 6: Lincoln Maree
8.22pm
“She hasn’t got a lot of speed but she tries hard so the best spot for her might be in front, rolling along. That said, her closing sectionals (57.8, 27.9) were the best in the race last time. We couldn’t get one of the Sharpe boys so we’ve had to settle for Frank Phelan. She’s an each-way chance with Andy (Sharpe) the one to beat on Commander Lincoln.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Leo Lincoln
5.21pm
“We’ve thrown him in the deep end, but it was either that or trial. He’s been going OK but he’ll need the run for sure.”
Race 2: Spiritual Bliss
5.21pm
“She won’t be completely out of it, she’s better than people think. The inside second row draw isn’t ideal, and luck will obviously play a part, but I think she’ll be competitive.”
Race 3: Rivergirl Bella
5.57pm
“She was always going to need the run last time as it was her first for a long time. She’ll improve off that. She’s plenty fast enough but needs to get fitter.”
Race 3: Sammy Lincoln
5.57pm
“We found he had a bit of a virus after he last raced so had to ease up on him. He’ll be a little short (on fitness) but his class should carry him through. He is vulnerable with his behaviour at the moment but he’s only got to get round without any silliness and I can’t see how they can beat him.”
Race 4: Johnny Lincoln
6.24pm
“He’s racing super and they’ll know he’s there. He’s trained on well since his Metro Final win. He races tough and at Auckland they have to be tough now.”
