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.
More news in Harness
Prince Lincoln finally shows what he’s made of - and, wow, was that a blazing demolition!
Hey Wendy and Amy, go easy of Fergs as he’s doing a sterling job taming Lincoln Linda
Third time lucky for Wave’s little bro Omaha Lincoln who finally debuts at Auckland
Copy N Paste a ‘tradesman’ but look for bold debut run at Cambridge on Thursday night
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 4: Lincoln Linda
6.38pm
“I’m not sure where she’s at. It’s a big drop in class - there’s not much in there - but I don’t think she’ll morph into a star. She was hitting the sulky wheels last time and over-racing but that won’t happen again.”
Race 6: Lincoln Maree
7.36pm
“She paced roughly last time but we’ve done a bit of work on her since so she should be happier this time. It depends on the trip she gets (from four) but she’ll go an honest race. She’s no superstar, but she doesn’t miss many cheques.”
Race 8: Copy N Paste
8.45pm
“He’s dour and tradesman-like but he’s getting there. It’s his first time off the place, and the trip will improve him, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him competitive in what is a very weak field. Sometimes you don’t know what the Bettors Delights have got until they front up at the races but he trialled well and beat a couple who are against him here.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Prince Lincoln
4.53pm
“He actually tried last time. He’s a nice horse but can change his mind quickly. Full blinds woke him up last time so we’ll see if he responds to them again this time.”
Race 3: Omaha Lincoln
5.46pm
“I think he’ll go a good race but it’s his first time at Alexandra Park so I don’t want to talk him up too much. He’s got enough ability to win a race like this, whether he’s ready to do it, we’ll find out. He can get a bit keen at times but I think he’s a chance if he does everything right.”
Race 5: Spiritual Bliss
6.54pm
“It was another great run last time after leading and she’s a good, tough mare who will go another good race. What trip she gets will determine where she finishes. From five, I’m picking she might go back this time but I’ll leave that up to the driver (Harrison Orange).”
Race 6: Sharpe Stride
7.24pm
“He’s a nice trotter, a big strong colt. He can get a bit hot but there’s nothing wrong with how he goes. He’s certainly not good enough to deal with these but he’s there for a run around.”
Race 9: Leo Lincoln
8.57pm
“He’s racing in career-best form and they were struggling for runners so I put him in. He gets a starting fee of $1750 so we won’t go home empty-handed. I’m really happy with him, he’s handling right-handed racing better these days. But he’s racing the bear cats so I’m not suggesting for a second he’ll give them a fright.”
Race 10: Colonel Lincoln
9.25pm
“I thought he went super last time. It was a vast improvement on the previous two starts and you’ve got to remember he was out for a long time. He’s coming to it now and improving all the time. I couldn’t label him but I’d be surprised if he’s not in the first three or four. He’s trained on well and gets a front row draw.”
Race 10: Sugar Ray Lincoln
9.25pm
“He was given too much to do last time - up to park at the bell - and you can’t drive the ears off them every time. With a more conservative trip he’d be right in it.”
