Captain Nemo won four races for trainer-driver Mark Dux in his first campaign in Brisbane. PHOTO: Dan Costello.
Dux: Captain Nemo primed again and he can go through the grades at Albion Park
By Barry Lichter • 23 February 2022
Trainer-driver Mark Dux is tipping Captain Nemo is in for a good campaign and rates a winning chance at Albion Park on Friday despite not having raced for more than three months.
Captain Nemo, who notched four wins and four placings in 12 starts for Dux late last year, had his January resumption delayed by a virus but Dux says he’s really happy with the horse now and, with an ounce of luck, he can win his 1660 metre opener.
“I don’t really want to give him a gut buster first-up so I’ll just play it by ear off the gate,” says Dux who would prefer to drive the horse a bit quieter in his campaign opener and have him hitting the line.
“I’m not looking to send him off the gate but while I don’t want to be looking for the death I won’t be unhappy if I end up landing there.”
Dux says if he settles outside the pole runner, 13-race winner Juddy Douglas, he knows what to expect.
“He’ll probably lead and his driver (Matt Elkins) likes to run along.
“If he drives the horse like he normally does, he’ll cut him loose at the 800 and throw in a 26 quarter.
“But he’ll be tippy-toeing up the straight and if we can be close enough, we can run him down.”
Dux says Captain Nemo is good enough to go through his grades this campaign.
“There are a few wins in store for him and I think he can make open class. He’s shown he’s got the ability. If you look at the times he’s run and what the fast class run, he’s good enough.”
Captain Nemo has made a habit of toughing it out in the death seat but Dux says the four-year-old has a bit of high speed in his armoury as well.
He plans to aim the horse at a A$13,930 penalty free race on March 12, a Team Teal female driver championship heat.
Dux plans to trial stablemate Tommy Lincoln on Friday after his race this week didn’t go ahead.
Tommy also succumbed to a virus in January but is ready to go again.
“Hopefully the trials will be held. There’s been heaps of rain overnight and they’re expecting a lot more tomorrow. “
Captain Nemo races at 3.42pm NZ time at Albion Park on Friday.
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Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Lincoln Linda
5.55pm
“She needed the run last week. Even though she galloped in the score-up, her manners are definitely improving as she didn’t pull in the running. She’ll be sharper this week so hopefully she’ll pace away and get the job done. It looks a pretty even field.”
Race 4: Lincoln Lover
7.18pm
“He only battled away last start and Fergie said he wasn’t really on the bit at the back of the field. He’s been racing for a while and might be a bit fatigued. The outside draw doesn’t help either and Soul Artist was very impressive winning last time.”
Race 6: Lincoln Maree
8.22pm
“She hasn’t got a lot of speed but she tries hard so the best spot for her might be in front, rolling along. That said, her closing sectionals (57.8, 27.9) were the best in the race last time. We couldn’t get one of the Sharpe boys so we’ve had to settle for Frank Phelan. She’s an each-way chance with Andy (Sharpe) the one to beat on Commander Lincoln.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Leo Lincoln
5.21pm
“We’ve thrown him in the deep end, but it was either that or trial. He’s been going OK but he’ll need the run for sure.”
Race 2: Spiritual Bliss
5.21pm
“She won’t be completely out of it, she’s better than people think. The inside second row draw isn’t ideal, and luck will obviously play a part, but I think she’ll be competitive.”
Race 3: Rivergirl Bella
5.57pm
“She was always going to need the run last time as it was her first for a long time. She’ll improve off that. She’s plenty fast enough but needs to get fitter.”
Race 3: Sammy Lincoln
5.57pm
“We found he had a bit of a virus after he last raced so had to ease up on him. He’ll be a little short (on fitness) but his class should carry him through. He is vulnerable with his behaviour at the moment but he’s only got to get round without any silliness and I can’t see how they can beat him.”
Race 4: Johnny Lincoln
6.24pm
“He’s racing super and they’ll know he’s there. He’s trained on well since his Metro Final win. He races tough and at Auckland they have to be tough now.”
