Captain Nemo has won five races in Brisbane, one at Redcliffe. PHOTO: Dan Costello.
Don’t let the form line fool you, the Captain should be right in the fight on Wednesday
By Barry Lichter • 19 April 2022
Captain Nemo’s form might look like it’s tailed off but don’t let that fool you when he lines up at Redcliffe on Wednesday night.
The way Captain Nemo has been training, trainer Mark Dux says he’ll be disappointed if the horse doesn’t finish in the money in the fourth race.
Lincoln Farms’ tough campaigner lines up in a heat of an up-to-rating 90 series, where qualifiers from five races in April compete for a A$20,770 stake over 1660 metres at Albion Park on Saturday week.
If he misses the cut, Nemo will be eligible for a A$10,820 consolation the same night.
“It won’t be any pushover for him on Wednesday - it’s not his favourite track and it’s a reasonable field - but I’m really happy with him, he’s done terrific since his last run.”
That race, 11 days ago, when he finished last, was a complete forgive, says Dux.
Sent forward from four on the gate, Captain Nemo was trapped three wide round the first corner on a brutal 26.9 first quarter.
And when Dux tried to push Nemo up outside the leader, the driver of the parked horse refused to relent.
“I thought the guy would be happy to take cover but he obviously thought I wasn’t a good horse to follow. I don’t know where he got that idea from given how tough Nemo races all the time.”
Eased back to the rear, Nemo still couldn’t get in and when Dux tried to improve down the back straight, there was nobody home. Beaten before the home turn, Nemo finished 36 metres from the winner.
“Nothing went right for him but I’m expecting him to run really well this time.”
With Wednesday’s race drawn on earnings in their last four starts, Nemo gets an OK alley of two on the second row, as a consquence of finishing out of the money in his last three.
“I’m happy with that draw,” says Dux. “I’ll follow out the two horse (Artful Maid) and should get a good run through.
“Hemsworth is going well but has drawn wide which isn’t ideal over 1780 metres at Redcliffe.”
Captain Nemo races at 9.06pm NZ time at Redcliffe on Wednesday.
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Les Harding
Monday at Globe Derby
Race 6: Beaudiene Rocknroll
6.34pm NZ time
This race will tell us how he measures up against the local horses. We decided to go for this lower graded race, despite having lower prize money, instead of going to the trials one more time. He won the second of two trials on April 21, beating race rival Hezrockinroyalty by four metres. Run over 2230 metres he clocked 57.7 for his last half and 1:59.7 for his last mile. From the pole he’ll start short and be hard to beat.
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 7: Lincoln Lou
8.25pm
“He’s a beautiful little horse who doesn’t do anything wrong. He got held up at a crucial time last week and got home well (for sixth). He gets out pretty well so should get a good trip from two. He’ll go his usual honest race. He’s improving all the time, he’s a gutsy little guy, but whether he can measure up to the favourites remains to be seen.”
Race 7: Sugar Ray Lincoln
8.25pm
“He’s a work in progress and we’re still dabbling with his gear. He’s actually a naturally good-gaited horse, like all the American Ideals, but he’s going through a stage of not really knowing why he’s out there. You just don’t know when he’ll click but three is an ideal draw for him and he should be handy if he does things right.”
Race 9: Leo Lincoln
9.20pm
“He’s an under-rated horse, as good as those others who are higher rated. He’s proving to be a tidy horse and, while he’s not viewed as a serious player by some, I think he is. He was closing off really well last week behind Hugotastic.”
