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Majordan downs Our Uncle Sam in the Len Smith Mile at Menangle nine days ago. PHOTO: Ashlea Brennan.

Yikes, Hustler’s got his hands full here as Sydney flyers invade Brisbane for the sprint

Lincoln Farms’ Northview Hustler passed the first hurdle and made the field for Saturday night’s A$100,000 Sunshine Sprint (1660m) at Albion Park in Brisbane.

But from three on the second row he’s going to need everything going for him in Queensland’s feature winter sprint with several in-form flyers making the trek north from New South Wales.

The barrier draw, done live at a special ceremony at 11.30am NZ time today, swung the way of the state’s top pacer Colt Thirty One who will start from two.

But it was cruel for the Hustler - with only two marbles left to draw he was looking at the perfect three or the second row 10.

The interstate raiders had mixed fortunes:

  • Majordan, recent winner of the Len Smith Mile at Menangle in 1:49.6, is two on the second line.
  • Len Smith runner-up Our Uncle Sam, who won the Group I Bohemia Crystal (2400m) at Menangle in March in a blistering 1:52.3 rate, is beautifully placed in three.
  • Ex Kiwi Letspendanitetogetha, recent winner of the Golden Mile in 1:51.9 has the job ahead of him from the outside of the second row, and
  • Golden Mile runner-up Cash N Flow, formerly with the All Stars, who won the J D Watts Memorial last month in 1:50.6, drew six.

It will be Northview Hustler’s 12th attempt to win at 1700 metres or less, placings the best he has managed.

Only 10 fillies paid up for the A$100,000 Queensland Oaks with the Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen-trained Our Princess Tiffany dominating her rivals and nicely drawn in four.

Lincoln’s Farms’ Lincoln’s Girl will get her chance from two on the gate.

Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them

Nathan Delany

Nathan’s comments

Thursday night at Cambridge

Race 4: Dreams Of Eric
7.17pm

“I couldn’t be happier with him. He trained super this week and feels a lot brighter and sharper. There are no Blazing Louies this week and he’s pulled through that last race well. I think he’ll be a very good chance.”

Ray Green

Ray’s comments

Friday night at Auckland

Race 4: Tyson
7.04pm

“He’ll need his share of luck. He’s at the mercy of others from his draw - you don’t know how the race will pan out - but maybe a bit of desperation might set in with the bigger stake and he can get out. He’s beaten most of these before, they’re all on a par.”

Dan Costello Race Photography