Two consistent players but Nemo looks to have a better hand than Tommy this week
By Barry Lichter • 21 October 2021
Trainer Mark Dux can find no reason why consistent campaigners Captain Nemo and Tommy Lincoln won’t run good races again at Albion Park in Brisbane this weekend.
On paper, Captain Nemo looks the better chance in the eighth race on Friday, where he eases down a grade, compared with Tommy Lincoln who meets the top free-for-allers on Saturday night, the jury still out on whether his form is starting to taper off after a long campaign.
Dux was keen to see how Captain Nemo handled a rise in class last Friday, taking on rating 70 to 85 runners after a recent hat-trick, and he wasn’t disappointed when the horse fought bravely for third after sitting parked for the last mile.
A late change in distance, forced by a wet patch of ground near the 1660 metre dispatch point, saw the race increased to 2138 metres, a trip which Dux believed made Captain Nemo even more competitive.
“That suited him better and the way the race was run I was more than happy. He did all the work and I’m sure he could have turned the tables if he’d got more luck.
“The two who beat him (who led and trailed), are no slouches - Kiwis Are Flying is a pretty decent horse, he’s won six of his seven starts since arriving in Brisbane.”
On Friday Captain Nemo is the highest rated in an easier rating 63 to 71 line-up and, while badly drawn three on the second line, Dux says he’ll be hard to beat.
“We can go round them, sit there quietly, and let them run what they want. And when you want him, he’s always there.”
Tommy Lincoln … “He’s just such a professional racehorse and an earner.” Niggly draw for Tommy
Tommy Lincoln, on the other hand, moves up from a band two and three race last Saturday to the top grade and has a niggly five draw to contend with.
“We definitely have more things against us this week - a harder field and tougher draw. I don’t think he can cross them so I’ll have to come out steadier. But he races better if you don’t burn him extra hard at the start.”
Dux admitted last week he was wondering if Tommy was starting to feel the effects of a long campaign - in 15 starts since June 22, when he has earned just over A$50,000, he has had few easy runs, running near track records and often sitting parked.
But driver Angus Garrard had nothing bad to say about the horse when he returned after his brave third, when he was snookered three deep on the markers and finished on to miss second by only a nose.
“Angus said he hit the line really hard and you’ve got to listen to your driver. But the jury is still out for mine. I watched the replay and thought he should have run second.
“But he did get home in 26.83 (only winner Mach Da Vinci was faster at 26.7) so you couldn’t say he was bad and needed a break.
“And he’s felt good at home since so I have nothing negative to say about him.
“He’s just such a professional racehorse and an earner. He gives 100% every time, does it tough, and still hits the line.”
That said, Dux will gauge for himself how the horse feels when he gets back into the cart this week.
“If I’m not happy on Saturday, I’ll probably give him a break.”
Captain Nemo races at 7.18pm NZ time at Albion Park on Friday.
Tommy Lincoln races at 10.10pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.
More news in Harness
The dream’s alive but Nate tells why he’ll wait for ‘Harry’ before racing Eric again
Ray gives reformed Rascal his ‘most likely to succeed’ report from the pole on Friday night
Ray doesn’t pull any punches about Sugar Ray but punters weigh in nonetheless
Partners and pedigree made Johnny Lincoln’s win special - but where was everyone?
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Im Not The Maid
5.14pm
“She went pretty well last week considering they came a fast last half (56.3) and she sat parked from the 800. She’s back to the amateur grade, and should get a good run from the two draw, so hopefully we can get a bit of cash.”
Race 4: Dreams Of Eric
6.38pm
“He didn’t handle the right-handed bends at Auckland last week (galloping at the 300) so we’ll stick to Cambridge from now on. There’s a bit of gate speed in the race so Harry (Harrison Orange) should be able to sit in somewhere. I think he’s a good chance to run top three.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Leo Lincoln
5.59pm
“He’s racing very well. He would have run second last week (to American Me) had he not spooked at the winning post. These are tidy horses he’s racing against but he’s holding his own.”
Race 1: Kevin Kline
5.59pm
“He’ll go better back to a mobile start. He did well to finish so close last week after a slow start than having to do all the donkey work when parked for the last lap. Maurice really likes him because he just puts him into cruise control and he keeps going.”
Race 3: Lincoln Downs
6.58pm
“She’s not as good as the other filly but some lift their game when the money’s up so maybe she can pick up a cheque.”
Race 3: Lincoln’s Spice
6.58pm
“She looks a pretty decent chance of winning. She’s a real little tradesman, does nothing wrong, is easy to handle, is a nice drive, tries hard, is great gaited and has the potential to get stronger.”
Race 5: Tyson
7.51pm
“We found out he raced with a virus last time. The next morning snot was pouring out his nose and that’s why he didn’t finish it off as well as we expected. He only whacked away in the run home. With that gone, he should race better.”
Race 5: Johnny Lincoln
7.51pm
“I think he’ll be competitive and he’s the best of ours in the race. He won well last week and has trained on well. He’s promising. I couldn’t go as far as to say he’s a classic colt yet but we’ll find out soon enough.”
Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.51pm
“He’s doing my head in. He had no excuse for breaking last week. Maurice (McKendry) didn’t blame the wet track. He said he was gliding along, travelling beautifully, when for no apparent reason he put in big steps. I’ll put a hood on him this time to see if it’s a nervous issue.”
Race 8: The Rascal
9.23pm
“All going well, he should win what is a poor maiden field. He’s elevated himself from the transfer list and is going well now. He doesn’t have huge gate speed, so he may not lead but he should get a good trip from one. On paper, he’s our best chance of the night.”
