Sitting outside the leader proved too tough for Argyle last week but he still paced a mile rate of 1:53.17.
At last, good front row draw gives Argyle his chance in Brisbane on Saturday night
By Barry Lichter • 13 February 2025
Argyle looks a solid top four chance after finally drawing to get a sweet run on the pace at Albion Park on Saturday night.
While the third race has at least five winning chances, trainer Mark Dux says, for the first time since Argyle’s comeback from injury, Lincoln Farms’ six-year-old is well placed to feature.
With claiming concession driver Layne Dwyer in the cart, Argyle sneaks into the band 5 race and his luck was in, landing two in the random draw.
From there, Dux believes he has an excellent chance of leading.
“The one horse (Congo Line) hasn’t shown a heap of speed off the gate. If they revved him up, the 2138 metre start point (at the top of the home straight) would be where he could hold up, but I think we’ll cross him.
“If we can, good, if not, it’s not the end of the world. A couple out wide, like Collect A Dime, will keep pressing forward so I’m sure cover would come. Either way, he won’t have to work to get there, which makes a huge difference, and should get a good trip.”
Dux says he’s been happy with both of Argyle’s last two runs, when he carried a flat tyre and, last week when he sat parked outside the leader.
“Even though a couple got past him, I thought he was pretty solid. He did all the work and the winner, Hiranya, is a pretty decent horse.”
Argyle, himself, was clocked to run sectionals of 27.5, 29.78, 27.77 and 28.45, his mile rate for the 1660 metres a slick 1:53.17.
“He keeps coming and will be suited by the extra distance this week.
“I rate him a top three or four chance for sure, barring bad luck.”
Argyle races at 9.51pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.
More news in Harness
Hey Wendy and Amy, go easy of Fergs as he’s doing a sterling job taming Lincoln Linda
Third time lucky for Wave’s little bro Omaha Lincoln who finally debuts at Auckland
Copy N Paste a ‘tradesman’ but look for bold debut run at Cambridge on Thursday night
Ray reveals his theory on why rank outsider Sammy Lincoln can play a hand in the derby
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 4: Lincoln Linda
6.38pm
“I’m not sure where she’s at. It’s a big drop in class - there’s not much in there - but I don’t think she’ll morph into a star. She was hitting the sulky wheels last time and over-racing but that won’t happen again.”
Race 6: Lincoln Maree
7.36pm
“She paced roughly last time but we’ve done a bit of work on her since so she should be happier this time. It depends on the trip she gets (from four) but she’ll go an honest race. She’s no superstar, but she doesn’t miss many cheques.”
Race 8: Copy N Paste
8.45pm
“He’s dour and tradesman-like but he’s getting there. It’s his first time off the place, and the trip will improve him, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him competitive in what is a very weak field. Sometimes you don’t know what the Bettors Delights have got until they front up at the races but he trialled well and beat a couple who are against him here.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Prince Lincoln
4.53pm
“He actually tried last time. He’s a nice horse but can change his mind quickly. Full blinds woke him up last time so we’ll see if he responds to them again this time.”
Race 3: Omaha Lincoln
5.46pm
“I think he’ll go a good race but it’s his first time at Alexandra Park so I don’t want to talk him up too much. He’s got enough ability to win a race like this, whether he’s ready to do it, we’ll find out. He can get a bit keen at times but I think he’s a chance if he does everything right.”
Race 5: Spiritual Bliss
6.54pm
“It was another great run last time after leading and she’s a good, tough mare who will go another good race. What trip she gets will determine where she finishes. From five, I’m picking she might go back this time but I’ll leave that up to the driver (Harrison Orange).”
Race 6: Sharpe Stride
7.24pm
“He’s a nice trotter, a big strong colt. He can get a bit hot but there’s nothing wrong with how he goes. He’s certainly not good enough to deal with these but he’s there for a run around.”
Race 9: Leo Lincoln
8.57pm
“He’s racing in career-best form and they were struggling for runners so I put him in. He gets a starting fee of $1750 so we won’t go home empty-handed. I’m really happy with him, he’s handling right-handed racing better these days. But he’s racing the bear cats so I’m not suggesting for a second he’ll give them a fright.”
Race 10: Colonel Lincoln
9.25pm
“I thought he went super last time. It was a vast improvement on the previous two starts and you’ve got to remember he was out for a long time. He’s coming to it now and improving all the time. I couldn’t label him but I’d be surprised if he’s not in the first three or four. He’s trained on well and gets a front row draw.”
Race 10: Sugar Ray Lincoln
9.25pm
“He was given too much to do last time - up to park at the bell - and you can’t drive the ears off them every time. With a more conservative trip he’d be right in it.”
