Tommy out to take no prisoners on Saturday - all he needs is a bit more air in his lungs

A false start prevented us from watching Tommy Lincoln race at Redcliffe last week - and it also put paid to the horse’s chances.

Tommy’s followers cursed when a false start was declared and the race was kicked to Sky channel 2, meaning Trackside viewers couldn’t watch it.

But worse, having to follow the gate round for an extra lap fired the horse up and trainer Mark Dux says Tommy’s race was virtually all but over before it began.

On gate release Tommy was very keen and holding Ideal World out wide until he paced roughly, in all likelihood touched a knee, and driver Angus Garrard had to take hold.

“Tommy’s not a horse you can drag back and I’m sure he cut his air off. Brendan Barnes, who got in front of him on Deus Ex, said he couldn’t hear Tommy breathing for 300 to 400 metres so he wasn’t getting air properly.”

Despite landing the one-one Tommy was done before the home turn and laboured home 18 metres behind winner Speech Is Silver.

“He walked home and that’s not Tommy, no matter how hard a run he has he doesn’t drop out like that.”

Dux also reported Tommy blew up over the back afterwards. “He had a groove down his back which normally happens when they cut their air off. They’ve only got to tuck their head in the wrong way when you grab them and he does get strong in the running anyway.”

Dux says to simply put the pen through the run.

“I cant see any reason why he can’t win over the shorter 1780 metres on Saturday in what is an easier field, one drop down from the main free-for-allers.

“We’ll be charging off the gate and holding the lead. I’ll be telling Angus to let them know his intentions straight away so they won’t try to cross and to drive him like he’s the best and take no prisoners.

“The six horse, It Aint The Money, will probably charge but it can’t cross us.

“If we’ve got to run time, sobeit. But when Tommy finds the lead he backs off pretty well, he doesn’t keep charging.”

Captain Nemo and Mark Dux … “he likes to wait for them.”Stablemate Captain Nemo, who runs two races later, also over the 1780 metre dash, should be in the money again, says Dux who was collared in the last few strides last week.

“He just got to the lead too soon last week. And once left in front he was happy to wait for them. That’s Nemo, he doesn’t knock himself around, he half eases up and waits for them then, when they get to him, he fights back.”

Dux isn’t too worried about Nemo’s tricky starting alley of four.

“He wanted to run off the gate the other night and I’d say he’ll do that again. I can’t lead - Blue Ivy will be the leader and will run along a bit - but if we can get up there without doing too much work and travel nicely, he’ll be right in it.

“He’ll race well again, he’s reliable, and I’m really happy with him, he’s done terrific this week.”

Captain Nemo, with a rating of 83 is the highest equal in the band five race, along with Betterthandiamonds, who has drawn the outside of the second row.

Tommy Lincoln races at 9.15pm NZ time at Redcliffe on Saturday night.Captain Nemo races at 10.21pm NZ time at Redcliffe on Saturday night.