Captain Nemo finishes fast up the inner but just misses.
Nemo fighting fit but wide draw means he’s relying on luck again on Saturday night
By Barry Lichter • 5 January 2024
Captain Nemo was terrific in running a close second last week but will need luck to win from an inferior draw at Albion Park on Saturday night.
Just half a head was between Captain Nemo and a perfect end to 2023 with trainer Mark Dux full of praise for the Lincoln Farms’ pacer.
“Incredibly, he broke 27 for his last quarter and still didn’t win but the leader just got home so fast,” Dux said.
Captain Nemo, who took a trail on expected pacemaker Bonnie Prince Louis, was actually credited with the fastest last half, 55.81, and quarter, 26.92, in the 2138 metre event.
“Another stride or two and I reckon he would have won. He just wanted to hang out a bit in the straight and that probably cost him. It took Angus a little time to get down to the inside.
“I’m sure he’ll race well again this week but we’ll have to drive him quietly early from six. There are two or three inside him with gate speed.”
With Makara, Lightning Dan and Surf Ace all likely to go foward, Dux says Captain Nemo will have to go back and then it will all come down to tempo and luck.
“It’s just a matter of what they do once they settle, and how much they back off the speed, but with the right trip he can earn money for sure.
“I’m sure he’ll be charging to the line, along with Red Right Hand, who looks the one to beat even from the outside.”
Dux reports Argyle is now over the foot issues which cost him a start on December 30.
Dux suspected the foot was troubling the horse despite his excellent work last Thursday and he was proven right a day later.
An infection saw the horse barely able to walk last Sunday but once it blew out the back of his heel, and he was given antibiotics, the relief was almost instantaneous.
“He had five days off work but he’s back in business now and hopefully we’re on top of it.”
Captain Nemo races at 10.15pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.
More news in Harness
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Partners and pedigree made Johnny Lincoln’s win special - but where was everyone?
Shunt and tangled tail hamper our Johnny - why he can win Friday’s Lincoln Farms Pace
Ray: Put the line through Johnny’s last run - it was a walk-fest and he copped it late
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 7: Im Not The Maid
8.15pm
“She couldn’t knick off a perfect trip last time in the amateur race so I won’t be holding my breath here.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Leo Lincoln
5.53pm
“It looks like it will be a replica of his last two runs. He needs to drop down a class.”
Race 2: Kevin Kline
5.53pm
“I think he’lll go another good race but you couldn’t make a case for him to beat the two favourites (American Me or Mantra Blue). If he ran third, I’d be rapt. He’s very genuine and his form reflects that.”
Race 3: The Rascal
6.24pm
“We’ve chucked him in the deep end - he’s a maiden against race winners - but he’s improving all the time. Fergy had difficulty steering him last time and said if he could have got him out, he would have won. We’ve made little changes to his gear this time and I think he’s a serious contender.”
Race 7: Sugar Ray Lincoln
8.26pm
“He feels super in his work. I’m really pleased with him. I know he hasn’t lived up to his early promise but the way he’s training he might now be ready to realise it.”
Race 9: Dreams Of Eric
9.32pm
“He wasn’t handling the right-handed going so well, which was why he switched to racing at Cambridge, but he’s a genuine little guy, a strong colt with a bit of speed. I think he’s a chance, it’s just the draw, but it’s only a small field.”
