Welcome to band 5 racing: Mark tells how tough it will be for Argyle from bad draw

“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.