Mark: Brave Captain Nemo in form but that outside draw on Friday night is just a killer
By Barry Lichter • 8 March 2023
Captain Nemo raced right up to his courageous best at Albion Park last week but faces a near impossible task there on Friday evening, says trainer Mark Dux.
“I’d like to find a positive but there are none - that outside draw is just a killer and in a good field it’s going to be super hard for him.
“Last week even though it was a strong field I still had a feeling he might race well, from the good draw, and he did.”
Driven to an early lead, Captain Nemo was clearly headed down the back straight but fought his way back to lead again early in the home straight.
And he never flinched late over the 2138 metres, going under by just 1.7 metres and half a head.
“But this week, from seven, over 1660 metres, I just can’t see how he can get into it.”
Equal lowest rated in the field, but starting from the worst draw, Nemo comes up against a number of future free-for-allers on the way up, says Dux.
“Angus (Garrard) will just drive him how he feels and he’ll do the best he can.
“It’s a shame because I’m really happy with the horse. He pulled up well and has done terrific this week.
“When the right one stands up, Nemo’s pretty good but he has his off days because he races so tough.”
Dux is likely to let Nemo stay at home next week, depending on what sort of a run he gets on Friday.
“I thought I might change it up a bit and not run him every week. We’ll miss a week here and there.
“He might handle that better than running week after week because he races so tough, it’s not like he ever gets any easy trips.”
Captain Nemo races at 8.25pm NZ time at Albion Park on Friday night.
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Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Sammy Lincoln
5.48pm
“Sammy Lincoln has a bit more speed than Lincoln Wave - he’s very fast for a big, rangy horse - but he might be vulnerable on Friday - he could experience difficulty on the corners going right-handed. He won’t be a maiden for long.”
Race 2: Lincoln Wave
5.48pm
“I’d say he’d be the more reliable of our two. He was clearly our best two-year-old before he got injured and we’ve waited a long time for him. He’s a powerful colt and should have a bright future.”
Race 5: Johnny Lincoln
7.13pm
“The seven draw is a bit awkward but he’s trained on really well since Cambridge and I’m picking he’ll go really well.”
Race 8: Tyson
8.38pm
“He had a week off after his last run at Auckland, but I don’t think he’ll be short of a run. He’ll come back into the fray as tough as ever.”
Race 8: Spiritual Bliss
8.38pm
“She was incredibly unlucky at Cambridge. The gap opened up for Harrison, he tried to push through, then it closed on him. If she led, she’d be the one to beat. She’s a nice mare and she’s pretty tough, she doesn’t give it up.”
Ray’s comments
Monday at Taupo
Race 2: Lincoln Maree
11.55am
“She’s been held up from awkward draws lately but gets the inside on Monday. She has limited ability but is racing really well and there are no superstars in the field. I think she’ll be fine on the grass as she’s good-gaited and wears no boots. She tries very hard and looks to have a decent show.”
Race 7: Lincoln Lover
2.17pm
“He’s the consummate tradesman, reliable and honest and deserves a win. He was only beaten by the passing lane runner last time after sitting parked for the last lap. He’s drawn to lead here and if he does that he’ll be hard to beat.”
