Captain Nemo finishes fast up the inner but just misses.
Nemo fighting fit but wide draw means he’s relying on luck again on Saturday night
By Barry Lichter • 5 January 2024
Captain Nemo was terrific in running a close second last week but will need luck to win from an inferior draw at Albion Park on Saturday night.
Just half a head was between Captain Nemo and a perfect end to 2023 with trainer Mark Dux full of praise for the Lincoln Farms’ pacer.
“Incredibly, he broke 27 for his last quarter and still didn’t win but the leader just got home so fast,” Dux said.
Captain Nemo, who took a trail on expected pacemaker Bonnie Prince Louis, was actually credited with the fastest last half, 55.81, and quarter, 26.92, in the 2138 metre event.
“Another stride or two and I reckon he would have won. He just wanted to hang out a bit in the straight and that probably cost him. It took Angus a little time to get down to the inside.
“I’m sure he’ll race well again this week but we’ll have to drive him quietly early from six. There are two or three inside him with gate speed.”
With Makara, Lightning Dan and Surf Ace all likely to go foward, Dux says Captain Nemo will have to go back and then it will all come down to tempo and luck.
“It’s just a matter of what they do once they settle, and how much they back off the speed, but with the right trip he can earn money for sure.
“I’m sure he’ll be charging to the line, along with Red Right Hand, who looks the one to beat even from the outside.”
Dux reports Argyle is now over the foot issues which cost him a start on December 30.
Dux suspected the foot was troubling the horse despite his excellent work last Thursday and he was proven right a day later.
An infection saw the horse barely able to walk last Sunday but once it blew out the back of his heel, and he was given antibiotics, the relief was almost instantaneous.
“He had five days off work but he’s back in business now and hopefully we’re on top of it.”
Captain Nemo races at 10.15pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.
More news in Harness
Worse draw puts unlucky Tyson in better spot to win at Auckland on Friday night
Debbie Lincoln’s home stretch burst pointer of things to come; but her draw rankles on Friday
Streets’ donation raises $100,000 for charity and Timmy could be a supermarket special
Sugar Ray Lincoln and Kevin Kline in fighting form for Friday night at Auckland
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 2: What’s Up The Hill
5.33pm
“He hasn’t raced for more than four months but he’s trotting well in training and has had a couple of workouts. He steps well so if Fergie can keep him away from the others, and he slides on from the 20 metre mark, he could even lead, and that would make him the one to beat. It doesn’t take much for him to lose concentration though.”
Race 4: Lincoln La Moose
6.23pm
“He hasn’t raced for a while but should go well. He finished off his workout really well on a 26.9 quarter for a close fourth behind some good ones (Greased Lightnin, Beetastic and Diamonds Are Forever). He beat himself in his last few runs by racing too keenly but he’s capable enough.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Debbie Lincoln
5.30pm
“She went to the line under a hold last week. She’s right up there with the best of them but you’re no chance when you get back like that. She hasn’t got a good draw again but it’s a small field and hopefully they won’t walk and only sprint home. Joyride looks the one to beat.”
Race 3: Tyson
6.23pm
“He was definitely beaten by the draw last week. He never got the chance to get out. From five this time he won’t get jammed up and can go forward and put himself in the race.”
Race 6: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.52pm
“Sugar Ray has a tad more speed than Kevin, but he had to sit parked for the last 1200 metres last week. You’d think he’ll get a good trip this time from the inside draw.”
Race 6: Kevin Kline
7.52pm
“Kevin is as honest as they come. He’s a bit more genuine than Sugar Ray. He closed fast from the back last Friday and is better suited over 2200 metres this week.”
