Mark: Awkward second draw makes it very tough for Argyle but he’s not a no-hoper
By Barry Lichter • 14 March 2024
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.
More news in Harness
The dream’s alive but Nate tells why he’ll wait for ‘Harry’ before racing Eric again
Ray gives reformed Rascal his ‘most likely to succeed’ report from the pole on Friday night
Ray doesn’t pull any punches about Sugar Ray but punters weigh in nonetheless
Partners and pedigree made Johnny Lincoln’s win special - but where was everyone?
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Im Not The Maid
5.14pm
“She went pretty well last week considering they came a fast last half (56.3) and she sat parked from the 800. She’s back to the amateur grade, and should get a good run from the two draw, so hopefully we can get a bit of cash.”
Race 4: Dreams Of Eric
6.38pm
“He didn’t handle the right-handed bends at Auckland last week (galloping at the 300) so we’ll stick to Cambridge from now on. There’s a bit of gate speed in the race so Harry (Harrison Orange) should be able to sit in somewhere. I think he’s a good chance to run top three.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Leo Lincoln
5.59pm
“He’s racing very well. He would have run second last week (to American Me) had he not spooked at the winning post. These are tidy horses he’s racing against but he’s holding his own.”
Race 1: Kevin Kline
5.59pm
“He’ll go better back to a mobile start. He did well to finish so close last week after a slow start than having to do all the donkey work when parked for the last lap. Maurice really likes him because he just puts him into cruise control and he keeps going.”
Race 3: Lincoln Downs
6.58pm
“She’s not as good as the other filly but some lift their game when the money’s up so maybe she can pick up a cheque.”
Race 3: Lincoln’s Spice
6.58pm
“She looks a pretty decent chance of winning. She’s a real little tradesman, does nothing wrong, is easy to handle, is a nice drive, tries hard, is great gaited and has the potential to get stronger.”
Race 5: Tyson
7.51pm
“We found out he raced with a virus last time. The next morning snot was pouring out his nose and that’s why he didn’t finish it off as well as we expected. He only whacked away in the run home. With that gone, he should race better.”
Race 5: Johnny Lincoln
7.51pm
“I think he’ll be competitive and he’s the best of ours in the race. He won well last week and has trained on well. He’s promising. I couldn’t go as far as to say he’s a classic colt yet but we’ll find out soon enough.”
Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.51pm
“He’s doing my head in. He had no excuse for breaking last week. Maurice (McKendry) didn’t blame the wet track. He said he was gliding along, travelling beautifully, when for no apparent reason he put in big steps. I’ll put a hood on him this time to see if it’s a nervous issue.”
Race 8: The Rascal
9.23pm
“All going well, he should win what is a poor maiden field. He’s elevated himself from the transfer list and is going well now. He doesn’t have huge gate speed, so he may not lead but he should get a good trip from one. On paper, he’s our best chance of the night.”
