Wide alley hoodoo and Queensland’s big wet conspire against Argyle and Nemo
By Barry Lichter • 19 January 2024
Don’t expect Argyle and Captain Nemo to feature at Albion Park on Saturday night.
Trainer Mark Dux says not only will wide draws again minimise their chances but the continuous wet weather has also hampered their preparation.
“I planned to train Argyle twice this week but only did once. We’ve had storms nearly every night and had that much rain, it’s left surface water on the track.
“We’re right on the coast and get all the coastal rain. It’s been horrendous and the humidity today was an absolute shocker.
“You walk and you sweat. The horses are feeling it too. It definitely knocks some of them around.
“I raced one yesterday and had to hose her five times during the day. You’re forever trying to keep them cool.”
Dux says Argyle has so many things against him in the opening race on Saturday night he’ll have to be driven conservatively, unlike his last start, when he powered forward and sat parked throughout for a close third.
“If he’d been racing week in and week out, I wouldn’t have been frightened to put him in the race. I’m happy enough with him but it’s his first for six weeks so he’s not at his best.”
Dux was forced to back off Argyle in mid-December to allow him time to recover from an infection in his foot.
“He’s fine again now but we’ll drive him quietly, go back and hope for a little luck.
“It’s a good, strong field and he doesn’t need to be ripping round them in his first run back. He’ll be relying on how hard they go.”
Captain Nemo again draws the outside of the gate in the eighth race.
“I’ve lost count of how many times he’s drawn badly. The ones inside him have all got gate speed so we’ll drive him quietly early too. He can’t be three and four wide when they’re running a 27 quarter.
“He’ll come out steady and then we’ll play it by ear. I’m confident he’ll race well - he trained well this week - and at some stage I’m sure Angus (Garrard) will try to make his own luck.”
Argyle races at 8.43pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.
Captain Nemo races at 12.19am NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.
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Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Tuesday night at Cambridge
Race 2: Commander Lincoln
5.06pm
“He ran his best race last week, just failing to catch the winner and from two we should see more of the same.”
Race 6: Im Not The Maid
6.57pm
“She had a bit of a duel up front last week and over-raced afterwards, which cost her. I’ll use some plugs (removeable deafeners) this week which should help. She tries hard and has a good draw.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Lincoln La Moose
5.38pm
“We couldn’t find anything specific that explained his poor last effort. He’s a nice enough horse but he’s still very green. I wouldn’t condemn him on that last run and he’s trained on well.”
Race 1: Tyson
5.38pm
“He had a bit of a foot issue after his last race and we had to stop and cut a bit of his seedy toe away. He missed a bit of work but he trialled well last week and I expect him to go well.”
Race 9: Frisco Bay
9.31pm
“I was very pleased with his run in the Metro Final last week and, in a much weaker field, he looks the one to beat.”
Race 9: Obadiah Dragon
9.31pm
“He’s going good races and I don’t think there’s a lot between him and Frisco Bay. He can get another cheque.”
