We love seeing the Hustler smoking along in front - they’ll have to be good to run him down
By Barry Lichter • 11 February 2021
Drawn to lead and with only five rivals, Northview Hustler will get his chance to score again at Albion Park on Saturday night, says trainer Al Barnes.
The last time Northview Hustler led, four starts back, he won, clocking a mile rate of 1:52.5 for the 1660 metres, only four tenths of a section slower than last week’s brilliant winner Turn It Up.
At a casual glance the Hustler might not have looked so good in that race last Saturday but his performance belied the sixth placing.
“His sectionals were brilliant,” says Barnes. “And he was running them wide on the track.”
Northview Hustler, widest at the back, unleashing his brilliant last 400.Forced to go back from a wide draw, the Hustler was still last, and three wide, at the 400, but he sizzled home in 53.89 and 26.89, the closing section bettered only by runner-up Imasportsstar (26.61) who enjoyed a pegs run until the turn.
“It was a great run because he was a little big and we thought he’d run out of puff.
“He looks a ready made leader from two on Saturday as the one horse (Subtle Delight) will take a sit.”
Northview Hustler will also be suited more by the extra trip, stepping up to 2138 metres.
“Both Major Cam and Lets Katchmeifucan will be hard to beat, with Major Cam the hardest. But he’ll have to run a good half to catch us. We know what we can run in front.”
Earlier, in the second race, Larry Lincoln also lands a better draw than last week when he could manage only fourth from two on the second row.
Drawing four on Saturday will allow the horse to be driven a little more quietly, says Barnes.
“He just had no luck in the running last week and Hayden had to go too far from home. But he can’t sprint from the 800, he needs to pull out at the 400.”
The long, explosive burst from the back took its toll, with Larry Lincoln’s run coming to an end 200 metres from home, seeing him 8.9 metres from the winner in fourth in a fast 1:53.6 mile rate.
“He’ll go forward on Saturday and find a position and then we can drive him more quietly. The 2138 metre trip isn’t ideal but he’s up to them and he’ll be OK driven colder.”
Larry Lincoln races at 9.07pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.
Northview Hustler races at 11.17pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.
More news in Harness
The dream’s alive but Nate tells why he’ll wait for ‘Harry’ before racing Eric again
Ray gives reformed Rascal his ‘most likely to succeed’ report from the pole on Friday night
Ray doesn’t pull any punches about Sugar Ray but punters weigh in nonetheless
Partners and pedigree made Johnny Lincoln’s win special - but where was everyone?
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Im Not The Maid
5.14pm
“She went pretty well last week considering they came a fast last half (56.3) and she sat parked from the 800. She’s back to the amateur grade, and should get a good run from the two draw, so hopefully we can get a bit of cash.”
Race 4: Dreams Of Eric
6.38pm
“He didn’t handle the right-handed bends at Auckland last week (galloping at the 300) so we’ll stick to Cambridge from now on. There’s a bit of gate speed in the race so Harry (Harrison Orange) should be able to sit in somewhere. I think he’s a good chance to run top three.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Leo Lincoln
5.59pm
“He’s racing very well. He would have run second last week (to American Me) had he not spooked at the winning post. These are tidy horses he’s racing against but he’s holding his own.”
Race 1: Kevin Kline
5.59pm
“He’ll go better back to a mobile start. He did well to finish so close last week after a slow start than having to do all the donkey work when parked for the last lap. Maurice really likes him because he just puts him into cruise control and he keeps going.”
Race 3: Lincoln Downs
6.58pm
“She’s not as good as the other filly but some lift their game when the money’s up so maybe she can pick up a cheque.”
Race 3: Lincoln’s Spice
6.58pm
“She looks a pretty decent chance of winning. She’s a real little tradesman, does nothing wrong, is easy to handle, is a nice drive, tries hard, is great gaited and has the potential to get stronger.”
Race 5: Tyson
7.51pm
“We found out he raced with a virus last time. The next morning snot was pouring out his nose and that’s why he didn’t finish it off as well as we expected. He only whacked away in the run home. With that gone, he should race better.”
Race 5: Johnny Lincoln
7.51pm
“I think he’ll be competitive and he’s the best of ours in the race. He won well last week and has trained on well. He’s promising. I couldn’t go as far as to say he’s a classic colt yet but we’ll find out soon enough.”
Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.51pm
“He’s doing my head in. He had no excuse for breaking last week. Maurice (McKendry) didn’t blame the wet track. He said he was gliding along, travelling beautifully, when for no apparent reason he put in big steps. I’ll put a hood on him this time to see if it’s a nervous issue.”
Race 8: The Rascal
9.23pm
“All going well, he should win what is a poor maiden field. He’s elevated himself from the transfer list and is going well now. He doesn’t have huge gate speed, so he may not lead but he should get a good trip from one. On paper, he’s our best chance of the night.”
