Captain Nemo looks poised to notch his first win since March. PHOTO: Trish Dunell.
Captain Nemo the one to beat at Albion Park today - he had flashing light on him last time
By Barry Lichter • 6 December 2022
Captain Nemo might have run only sixth last start but the way he ran to the line was like a red flashing light for punters.
And from a perfect draw of two at Albion Park this evening, in a lesser quality field, Lincoln Farms’ four-year-old looks like he could even start favourite in the seventh race.
Trainer Mark Dux believes Captain Nemo needs only average luck to be the one to beat.
“I can’t see why he won’t be right in the thick of things. I’m really happy with him.”
Dux was thrilled with how Captain Nemo finished off his race seven days ago, powering home from last at the 300 to finish sixth, albeit 14.8 metres from the winner.
Nemo was credited with the second fastest last quarter of the race, 27.9, and the on-screen graphics in Brisbane had him the fastest horse in two of the last three sections.
“They ran a mile rate of 1:52.8 and Angus (Garrard) said he ran right through the line so I think he’s right back on track.
“I was thrown for a six in his previous start (when he dropped right away) but it became obvious right after the race that he was crook. A heap of thick mucous came out and he took a week to get over it.
“That was his only bad run this time in - his first run back was excellent.”
Dux says the plan today is to let Nemo come out of the gate under his own steam.
“Angus will just play it by ear. If he’s happy to flop out, he’ll go with that or if he wants to run, he’ll just go with the horse.
“He’s well up to beating them, he just needs no bad luck.”
Captain Nemo was the $3.50 fixed odds favourite on the New Zealand TAB this morning.
More news in Harness
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Lincoln Wave scorches in, still on target for richer races and Sammy’s making progress too
Johnny Lincoln’s big ticker will stand to him in the States and Lover’s also sold to Aussie
No Jumals to beat this time at the Park so Ray’s looking for Lincoln Wave to roll in
Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: The Night Fox
4.59pm
“He’s racing well and I can’t fault him. The opposition is stronger this time but I can’t see why he won’t go another good race.”
Race 3: Spiritual Bliss
5.59pm
“She’s a good, tough mare. It depends on the trip you get in these sort of races but she loves it when they run hard and she can get some of the money.”
Race 3: Ultimate Cullect
5.59pm
“We haven’t had a lot of time to assess her yet. From the one drive I’ve had on her she doesn’t strike me as a sit-sprinter. But if they go hard, hopefully she’ll get home well.”
Race 5: Lincoln Maree
6.57pm
“It’s a “brutal” race but she’s drawn to get a suck along and hopefully she can last well enough for a cheque.”
Race 6: Leo Lincoln
7.29pm
“There are a few in there that are better than him but he has a handicap advantage and, if he gets a good trip, he could get some of it. He steps well and his driver reckoned he would have won last week if he’d got the run at the right time.”
Race 10: Sammy Lincoln
9.23pm
“I can’t imagine him being beaten - they’d have to knock him over. He’s very fast and in case he has to move quickly early we’ll use the shorteners. I can’t see any problem with him going left-handed - he’s probably better that way.”
Race 11: Rivergirl Bella
9.54pm
“She’s honest and will try hard.”
