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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Ray’s comments
Wednesday at Cambridge
Race 3: Spiritual Bliss
1.10pm
“You can’t fault what she’s done up here and she’s trained on really well since Manawatu. She seems to have a good motor and can carry her speed a long way. It’s a bit of a step-up on Wednesday, and she’s drawn out a bit, but she should be right in the fray.”
Race 4: Lincoln Lover
1.45pm
“It’s a huge drop in class for him on what he’s been racing. The Purdon horse Crippa Max looks the one to beat on his trial but I’m picking we’ll finish in the first three at worst. He’s very honest and does nothing wrong.”
Race 6: Lincoln Downs
2.55pm
“She got skittled early last time when one galloped in front of her, and that didn’t help. It would be nice to see her get a good trip, with no incidents, and see what she can do. She’s no superstar but she tries hard.”
Race 9: Leo Lincoln
4.31pm
“It’s his first race for more than four months and I’m picking he’ll need the run. It was a toss-up whether we went to the trials, but he’d probably have had no opposition, so it made sense to drop him in here. He’s training well and seems in good shape but whatever he does, he’ll improve on.”
