Captain Nemo was only sixth at Redcliffe but ran some of the fastest sectionals in the race.
Mark: One more run and improving Captain Nemo will be ready to torpedo his rivals
By Barry Lichter • 11 July 2024
A wide draw looks set to consign Captain Nemo to the also-rans again at Albion Park on Friday evening but trainer Mark Dux says he’ll be cherry ripe next time.
Nemo resumed from a freshener at Redcliffe last week where Dux says everything was against him - the tight track, the second row barrier, and the race tempo - but he still ran a satisfactory sixth.
“It went like we expected, a steady first half (62.2) and quick last half (56.7) and he couldn’t get into the race. But his sectionals were still very good.”
In coming from second last in the running, and courtesy of a corner-cutting drive by young gun Angus Garrard, Nemo clocked the fastest third quarter of 27.93 and equal second fastest last half of 56.78.
“To run those times at Redcliffe was pretty good and he was less than 13 metres away at the finish.
“I’m happy with him and one more run to tighten him up and he’ll be all set to go, close to winning.
“It’s not an easy race on Friday and, from an average draw, we’ll drive him quietly again so he’ll be at the mercy of the tempo.
“But funny things happen in racing. They could go silly and we might be able to get over the top of them. If he gets the right trip I could see him hitting the line well and sneaking into the money.”
Captain Nemo races at 6.33pm NZ time at Albion Park on Friday night.
More news in Harness
Bang! Lincoln Wave’s tyre blows out, startling rival drivers but Alabar win would shock more
Cheapies The Night Fox and Lincoln Maree keep the tally ticking over at Cambridge
Little Missy Lincoln can stand up for herself in Young Guns fillies’ heat on Friday night
Leo poised to roar again - he looks a ratings special at Cambridge on Thursday night
Our runners this week
Friday night at Auckland
Leo Lincoln, Spiritual Bliss, Missy Lincoln, Lincoln Wave, Johnny Lincoln.
Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: The Night Fox
5.44pm
“From a good front line draw Harry can run off the gate and find the front. He’s shown he’s got the speed to get there. And if he can go 2:42 again, or quicker, I thought he’d be a very good winning chance. It’s an easier field than the one he beat last time. He’s trained well this week.”
Race 2: Rivergirl Bella
6.09pm
“She goes down to Cambridge for the first time so it’s a big drop in class. She also goes a lot better left-handed so I thought from the good draw she could run top three.”
Race 3: Lincoln Maree
6.34pm
“She paced a 1:56.7 mile in beating the amateurs last start but it looks like she’ll need a bit of luck from the draw this time. The two inside her like to lead so she could end up three fence or outside them. I’ll leave it up to Harry to get the right trip.”
Race 3: Lincoln Lover
6.34pm
“He’s a place chance. He likes bowling along but from five it’s hard to say where he’ll end up. He’s very consistent and he paced 2:42.3 last time so I can absolutely see him in the money.”
Race 6: Lincoln Linda
8.04pm
“She was in a very strong R40 to R48 race last time at Auckland against horses like Alecto, All Of Me and Cyclone Rebel, and she clocked 2:41.1, so back to Cambridge where she won her first race, and a much easier R38 to R40 field, she’s got to be a good winning chance. She’s best in front if Fergie can get there.”
