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.
More news in Harness
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Cheapie Johnny Lincoln a “proper” racehorse who can foot it with the Million bluebloods
Bang! Lincoln Wave’s tyre blows out, startling rival drivers but Alabar win would shock more
Cheapies The Night Fox and Lincoln Maree keep the tally ticking over at Cambridge
Our runners this week
Friday night at Auckland
Sammy Lincoln, Prince Lincoln, Lincoln Wave, Leo Lincoln, Jessie Lincoln (scratched).
Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Rivergirl Bella
5.44pm
“She did well here last time as she had to do a bit to get to the lead and she dug in and fought on. She’s certainly a chance if she repeats that effort.”
Race 4: Lincoln Linda
7.09pm
“I thought she went super last time after doing a lot of work. She can do that because she has an engine and is tough. She’s a bit one-dimensional - you have to turn her loose early - but from the two draw she should be able to lead and that’s where she does her best work.”
Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.34pm
“I think he’s a bit stronger after his spell. It’s not a great field - most will die on that mark - and I don’t see a problem with the standing start as he’s nicely gaited. He could be marginally unfit after three months out but he’s done quite a bit of work and I can see him going a half-decent race.”
Race 6: Lincoln Maree
7.59pm
“She had every chance last time but I can’t see why she won’t go well again. She’s as honest as they come and tries like hell.”
Race 7: The Night Fox
8.29pm
“You’d think he’d lead easily from the inside. He’s had bad draws and still got the money, so I’m sure he’ll go another good race. I’m surprised they sold him so cheaply. He’s better than people think.”
