Welcome to band 5 racing: Mark tells how tough it will be for Argyle from bad draw
By Barry Lichter • 29 February 2024
“Very hard race, tough draw. Welcome to band 5 racing.”
Trainer Mark Dux didn’t mince his words when describing the task ahead of Argyle, stepping up a grade in the opening race at Albion Park on Saturday night.
Just seven days after his well deserved win, after enjoying a perfect trail, Argyle lands in a much harder race from one of the worst draws.
“It’s the strongest race he’ll get in for a while, he won’t get any harder,” Dux said.
“Nothing stands out and says it will just win. There are a bunch of chances across the board and even a couple who are dropping back from band 4 racing (Pacifico Dream and Red Right Hand, who haven’t won in their last 10 starts).
“Obviously it’s going to be really tough for him from three on the second row. It’s one of the worst alleys but it’s better than seven, at least he might get in front of a couple.”
Dux said driver Mathew Neilson would have no option than to pop in behind them, play it be ear and hope for some luck.
“There are a lot of unknowns with good gate speed across the front line. The harder they go the better for us.”
Chances are the tempo will be swift with Argyle’s winning driver from last week, Angus Garrard, staying with Bangkok Deejay, a 1:51.5 mile rate winner two starts back, three seconds faster than Argyle. But Dux doesn’t think a 1:52 mile rate for the 1660 metres is beyond Argyle.
“With the right run he could be thereabouts at that speed but he could also come home in better than 55 and run only seventh or eighth.
“I’m sure he’ll race well though, he’s done well this week.”
Meanwhile, Dux reported stablemate Captain Nemo has started fast work again and could be back racing in three weeks.
“He’ll go a bit quicker next week and he won’t take much to come to hand, he had only a week off.”
Argyle races at 8.39pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.
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It’s an even line-up but stick with fleet-footed Debbie Lincoln at Auckland on Friday night
All hail Debbie, the new speed queen of Alex Park, as she tackles a mile from the pole
Ray reaches for the half hopples to keep Whats Up The Hill trotting at Cambridge on Thursday
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thurday night at Cambridge
Race 2: Dreams Of Eric
6.03pm
“He’s just come back from a two-week break and seems a lot better after the freshen-up. He’s training really well but this will be like a trial for him. There looks to be a lot of speed in the race so, from five, he won’t be put into the early rush. We’re still aiming him at the Harness 5000 at Ashburton in December.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Kevin Kline
4.44pm
“He was held up last week but still got home really well, hard on their backs and, with the right trip, he’ll be dangerous. But the race looks suited to a horse like Hooray Henry who, in a small field, can sit back and outsprint them.
Race 9: Tyson
8.54pm
“We were looking to sit in with him last week but it didn’t work out. He still ran on pretty well as he always does. He just needs a bit of luck.”
Race 9: Debbie Lincoln
8.54pm
“Maurice was happy with her run last week and said she paced strongly through the line. From seven on the gate this week she’ll have to go back but I think she’s better coming from off the pace. She’s a good chance if she can get sucked into it at the right time.”
