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
Thoughts for Lincoln Farms’ groupie Margaret Rabbitt after Johnny Lincoln braves it out
Lincoln Wave super and Sammy Lincoln super unlucky - two three-year-olds worth following
Long wait over to see why Lincoln Wave and Sammy Lincoln are fancied by Lincoln Farms
Second row draws against Prince Lincoln and Spiritual Bliss but they’re still favourites
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Sammy Lincoln
5.48pm
“Sammy Lincoln has a bit more speed than Lincoln Wave - he’s very fast for a big, rangy horse - but he might be vulnerable on Friday - he could experience difficulty on the corners going right-handed. He won’t be a maiden for long.”
Race 2: Lincoln Wave
5.48pm
“I’d say he’d be the more reliable of our two. He was clearly our best two-year-old before he got injured and we’ve waited a long time for him. He’s a powerful colt and should have a bright future.”
Race 5: Johnny Lincoln
7.13pm
“The seven draw is a bit awkward but he’s trained on really well since Cambridge and I’m picking he’ll go really well.”
Race 8: Tyson
8.38pm
“He had a week off after his last run at Auckland, but I don’t think he’ll be short of a run. He’ll come back into the fray as tough as ever.”
Race 8: Spiritual Bliss
8.38pm
“She was incredibly unlucky at Cambridge. The gap opened up for Harrison, he tried to push through, then it closed on him. If she led, she’d be the one to beat. She’s a nice mare and she’s pretty tough, she doesn’t give it up.”
Ray’s comments
Monday at Taupo
Race 2: Lincoln Maree
11.55am
“She’s been held up from awkward draws lately but gets the inside on Monday. She has limited ability but is racing really well and there are no superstars in the field. I think she’ll be fine on the grass as she’s good-gaited and wears no boots. She tries very hard and looks to have a decent show.”
Race 7: Lincoln Lover
2.17pm
“He’s the consummate tradesman, reliable and honest and deserves a win. He was only beaten by the passing lane runner last time after sitting parked for the last lap. He’s drawn to lead here and if he does that he’ll be hard to beat.”
