Mark: Awkward second draw makes it very tough for Argyle but he’s not a no-hoper

A very awkward second row draw prevents trainer Mark Dux from pushing Argyle’s case at Albion Park this weekend - but he warns not to put the pen through him completely.

Dux strongly tipped the horse as a top three chance last Saturday night, and his followers were rewarded with a $7.10 place dividend when he rallied bravely for third. But he says it’s hard to be confident this week when he moves to the outside of the second row in the second race.

“He was very strong last week, but that’s him and, while they dropped him off with a quick 27 quarter down the back, I knew he’d keep coming.”

Though winning driver Brendan Barnes was sitting up on winner Big Shadow near the post, Argyle attacked the line hard to finish just two and a half lengths away, three-quarters of a length behind The Tax Cullector.

“I don’t think he’s a no-hoper this time, but I’m not super confident as I don’t see a lot of pressure in the race.

“The main two look to be The Tax Cullector and Pacifico Dream and I can’t see them doing much early. If they lead and trail and the eight horse, Stormtide, sits three fence it will be near on impossible to make ground on them if they back off even a little.”

Dux says he can’t see anything that will be keen on sitting outside the leader and in the scenario, if there’s no real tempo, gun junior Angus Garrard might slip around and park on Argyle.

“If they back off there’s a very good chance he could do that but I don’t say he will. Then it’s a matter of is he good enough to do the work and keep going?

“It definitely looks awkward but with a bit of luck in the run he’s more than capable of putting up a good showing.

“I’m going into the race happy with the horse and I’m sure he’ll race well but he could finish top three or he could have to do too much work and run sixth.”

Dux says not to be fooled by Argyle’s bouncing form line.

“A couple of numbers in his form line don’t look great but his runs have been very good, and he’s been running fast sectionals.

“The draw makes the race a lot harder to win but if it unfolds in our favour he can earn money.”

Argyle races at 8.39pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.