Argyle cut off his air last time so forgive the run, says trainer Mark Dux.
Mark reveals the reason for Argyle’s flop and gives Captain Nemo a reprieve from the knife
By Barry Lichter • 21 April 2023
Trainer Mark Dux can’t threaten Argyle with the knife like he did Captain Nemo, as he’s already a gelding, and he says you can simply draw a line through his last start flop anyway.
Just three days after Nemo earned himself a reprieve from the ultimate op, by running a close and unlucky second at Albion Park, Dux is confident of an improved performance from Argyle in the fifth race on Saturday night.
Dux says there’s a simple reason why Argyle never fired a shot a couple of weeks ago, under pressure a long way out and beating only one home - he almost certainly cut off his air in the running.
“I could see he was in trouble at the half mile and that’s not like him.”
Dux says the first words out of driver Trent Moffat’s mouth when he returned to scale were: ‘Has he ever cut off his wind before’?
“He’s never done it at the races but I told the driver before the race he can get pulling a bit.
“I think he must have over-reacted a bit and had him on too tight a rein because when he came back the horse blew really hard for a while.
“He pulled up awful and the run really knocked him around, that’s why I let him miss racing last week to give him plenty of time to get over it.”
Dux is confident with top youngster Angus Garrard holding the reins on Saturday night there will be no repetition.
“I don’t have any doubt he’ll race well. I’m really happy with him.
“He needs only an ounce of luck and, if he can get a good run through from the second line, I think he can be thereabouts.
“There was nothing wrong with his runs before his last start and he feels good. I can’t fault him.”
With a 73 rating, Argyle is easily the highest graded horse in the 2138 metre event, the next best on 66 and none of the others higher than 61.
* Two possible races for Captain Nemo on Tuesday did not get off the ground so he’s now likely to race again next Saturday.
Argyle races at 9.13pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.
More news in Harness
Over virus and with tighter hopples, Sammy only needs to bring his best behaviour to win
Street hoping King Of Swing colt has inherited some of dad’s speed as well as his good looks
Bags packed for Aussie - Ray’s ‘real racehorse’ Tyson sold to Albion Park boss
Ultimate gear change does the trick for brave little tradesman Lincoln Lover
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Lincoln Linda
5.55pm
“She needed the run last week. Even though she galloped in the score-up, her manners are definitely improving as she didn’t pull in the running. She’ll be sharper this week so hopefully she’ll pace away and get the job done. It looks a pretty even field.”
Race 4: Lincoln Lover
7.18pm
“He only battled away last start and Fergie said he wasn’t really on the bit at the back of the field. He’s been racing for a while and might be a bit fatigued. The outside draw doesn’t help either and Soul Artist was very impressive winning last time.”
Race 6: Lincoln Maree
8.22pm
“She hasn’t got a lot of speed but she tries hard so the best spot for her might be in front, rolling along. That said, her closing sectionals (57.8, 27.9) were the best in the race last time. We couldn’t get one of the Sharpe boys so we’ve had to settle for Frank Phelan. She’s an each-way chance with Andy (Sharpe) the one to beat on Commander Lincoln.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Leo Lincoln
5.21pm
“We’ve thrown him in the deep end, but it was either that or trial. He’s been going OK but he’ll need the run for sure.”
Race 2: Spiritual Bliss
5.21pm
“She won’t be completely out of it, she’s better than people think. The inside second row draw isn’t ideal, and luck will obviously play a part, but I think she’ll be competitive.”
Race 3: Rivergirl Bella
5.57pm
“She was always going to need the run last time as it was her first for a long time. She’ll improve off that. She’s plenty fast enough but needs to get fitter.”
Race 3: Sammy Lincoln
5.57pm
“We found he had a bit of a virus after he last raced so had to ease up on him. He’ll be a little short (on fitness) but his class should carry him through. He is vulnerable with his behaviour at the moment but he’s only got to get round without any silliness and I can’t see how they can beat him.”
Race 4: Johnny Lincoln
6.24pm
“He’s racing super and they’ll know he’s there. He’s trained on well since his Metro Final win. He races tough and at Auckland they have to be tough now.”
