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
Big push for The Big Lebowski who looks beautifully placed at Addington on Friday
How the boy who was told he’d never be any good as a trainer made the exclusive 500 club
Final tune-up for Ray’s southern team at Alexandra Park on Friday night
Better set-up at Auckland on Friday night for Sugar Ray to produce that knockout punch
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Tuesday night at Cambridge
Race 2: Commander Lincoln
4.50pm
“Forget he went round at Auckland where the opposition was much too tough for him. He’s a regular placegetter in the amateur races at Cambridge and look for him late.”
Race 7: Im Not The Maid
7.07pm
“She ran another good race for third here last time but enjoyed a perfect trip in the trail. From the outside of the gate this will be a bit tougher for her but she’s up to running a hole.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Addington
Race 2: Frisco Bay
5.19pm
“He wouldn’t have been a chance in the $100,000 race but these ones are more like him. The draw’s a bit niggly but he’s racing well and I’m looking forward to seeing where he sits.”
Race 10: Lincoln Lou
9.28pm
“It’s a strong line-up but the good draw of four will help. I won’t be telling Sam (Thornley) what to do but the horse has big speed if he wants to use it. ”
Race 10: Sugar Ray Lincoln
9.28pm
“He’s at the mercy of the ones drawn in front of him. Hopefully Bar Louie doesn’t stand on his head at the start. I’d rather have been on the outside to be honest but if Ricky (May) can get a good trip, he’ll be right there.”
Race 12: The Big Lebowski
10.23pm
“He certainly looks good in this field which is a dramatic drop in class. It’s a pity he didn’t draw on the gate - the second row draw could be awkward - but he does look to stand over them. I just hope he doesn’t stuff it up.”
