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
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Lincoln LInda
5.14pm
“The fillies she raced against in the Sires’ Stakes Semi were the best around so this is a massive drop in class for her. I imagine Fergie will work his way forward, as she’s best in front, and then she’d become the one to beat.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Prince Lincoln
5.16pm
“The draw helps as he likes being in front. The raw ability is there but from time to time he’s reluctant to show it. But that last start was a vast improvement.”
Race 1: Colonel Lincoln
5.16pm
“He was definitely in need of the run first-up and will benefit from another. He’s been off the scene for a long time.”
Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.08pm
“He did well second-up, peeling off a 55.1 half. He’s been a slow maturer but I think he’s getting stronger as he gets older - he certainly feels much stronger in his work.”
Race 5: Lincoln Wave
7.08pm
“The Cambridge race has brought him on and I’m sure he’ll go well again, but he won’t be butchered a week out from the Derby. I don’t want to get carried away but he’s a pretty good horse, the best of our three in the race. He’s a year younger than Suger Ray but has a bit more ability. It’s hard to know where he’ll take us but he has the potential to be a classic colt.”
Race 5: Leo Lincoln
7.08pm
“He’s in the zone, he’s feeling really great, and he won’t go badly. But he’ll need luck from the draw.”
Race 9: Spiritual Bliss
9.04pm
“She’s racing better horses now and has done well to cop getting parked in some hard-run races. Leading is her go and she’ll get her chance from the inside draw.”
Race 10: Rivergirl Bella
9.36pm
“She has got a bit of speed but she can’t carry it very far. But if she gets the right trip, and gets out at the right time, not too soon, she’s always a chance.”
Race 10: Jessie Lincoln
9.36pm
“Harry blamed himself for the horse breaking at the start at Cambridge - he said he asked her to go a bit too quickly off the gate. She shouldn’t do it again. She’ll hold her own here, I’m sure.”
Race 10: Marylynes Boy
9.36pm
“He’s been training well but he’s only a little colt having his first start and from the second row I think Nathan will be happy to just see him get around safely.”
