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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Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Tyson
5.31pm
“He’s not the best steering horse in the world. He’ll win races but he’s a funny horse and you can never be sure which Tyson will turn up.”
Race 3: Sugar Ray Lincoln
6.29pm
“Drawn the outside of the second line he was never going to be in the hunt last time but Maurice said he paced much better. We’re trying him in spreaders and from one on the second row he should get a better trip. It all depends on which one turns up. We know he’s capable of winning if he comes with his A game.”
Race 5: Leo Lincoln
7.30pm
“I’ve changed his bit to try to slow him down. He’s been pulling too hard. He’s an honest horse who you can never count out.”
Race 5: Kevin Kline
7.30pm
“I’m always pleased with Kevin - he never runs a bad race. He gave the favourite (Mantra Blue) a bit of a fright last week and in another 20 metres I think he would have got her. It’s only 1700 metres this time and he looks a good chance. The five draw shouldn’t bother him as he can do a bit of work.”
Race 7: The Rascal
8.22pm
“I thought he was pretty good last week despite not handling the corners. I’ve put spreaders on him this time, and he’s trained well in them, so it should give him every opportunity. I rate him a winning chance.”
