Hayden Barnes, sitting in a short cart, has The Hustler airborne and well clear near the finish. PHOTO: Dan Costello.
The Hustler gets back his respect with sizzling all-the-way 1:52.5 win at Albion Park
By Barry Lichter • 2 January 2021
Northview Hustler ran the fastest time of his career in his sizzling all-the-way win at Albion Park tonight, a performance which trainer Al Barnes says is sure to earn back his respect.
“Everyone thought he was all done but he’s actually been racing super - against far better horses,” Barnes said.
Tonight, with a good front row draw which he’s not had for his last four runs, the Hustler stopped the clock in 1:56.1 for the 1660 metres, a cracking mile rate of 1:52.5.
“He’s probably run quicker times unplaced but that’s certainly his best winning time.”
Determined to take advantage of his two gate tonight, Barnes instructed his son Hayden to really wake the horse up in his preliminary.
Hayden Barnes brings Northview Hustler back to scale after one of his best wins. PHOTO: Dan Costello.And he fitted a shorter cart to the Hustler to get Hayden closer to the horse to reduce the wind resistance.
“I told Hayden to be aggressive and to let him lead. And while it looked like he was nearly crossed by Secretagent Tycoon, who got half a length on him, Hayden had him covered easily, he just didn’t want to go any faster.”
After a slick opening quarter of 26.8, the Hustler got a breather in the second section with a 31 then, despite being held back to the field, he ripped home in 27.8 and 27.
They’re similar fractions to those the Hustler has posted in his last four runs but crucially, they were from the second row and barriers six (twice) and seven.
“His form line doesn’t reflect how well he’s been going. I’ve just been waiting for all the good ones to go home.
“He’ll keep earning money now and hopefully he can put some wins together.”
While the Hustler won only one race in 2020, and has not won for four months, Barnes said the horse was finally sound.
“He wants to do it, and he’ll keep racing. He’ll start next week then have a week off when we’ll do some maintenance on him.
“I’m rapt with the win tonight, especially because so much work and effort goes into him.”
The Hustler, who was sixth favourite in the seven-horse Remembering What A Charmer Pace and paid $10.30 on the tote, was credited with a 4.2 metre margin over favourite Major Cam, with another 2.5 metres to Chevron’s Reward.
It was the 15th win of his career and despite being seven, one of his best.
Northview Hustler has them strung out at the line, with favourite Major Cam closest.
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Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Sammy Lincoln
5.48pm
“Sammy Lincoln has a bit more speed than Lincoln Wave - he’s very fast for a big, rangy horse - but he might be vulnerable on Friday - he could experience difficulty on the corners going right-handed. He won’t be a maiden for long.”
Race 2: Lincoln Wave
5.48pm
“I’d say he’d be the more reliable of our two. He was clearly our best two-year-old before he got injured and we’ve waited a long time for him. He’s a powerful colt and should have a bright future.”
Race 5: Johnny Lincoln
7.13pm
“The seven draw is a bit awkward but he’s trained on really well since Cambridge and I’m picking he’ll go really well.”
Race 8: Tyson
8.38pm
“He had a week off after his last run at Auckland, but I don’t think he’ll be short of a run. He’ll come back into the fray as tough as ever.”
Race 8: Spiritual Bliss
8.38pm
“She was incredibly unlucky at Cambridge. The gap opened up for Harrison, he tried to push through, then it closed on him. If she led, she’d be the one to beat. She’s a nice mare and she’s pretty tough, she doesn’t give it up.”
Ray’s comments
Monday at Taupo
Race 2: Lincoln Maree
11.55am
“She’s been held up from awkward draws lately but gets the inside on Monday. She has limited ability but is racing really well and there are no superstars in the field. I think she’ll be fine on the grass as she’s good-gaited and wears no boots. She tries very hard and looks to have a decent show.”
Race 7: Lincoln Lover
2.17pm
“He’s the consummate tradesman, reliable and honest and deserves a win. He was only beaten by the passing lane runner last time after sitting parked for the last lap. He’s drawn to lead here and if he does that he’ll be hard to beat.”
