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
Short odds on Lincoln Farms’ trio winning on Friday but don’t ask Ray to pick between them
Street tells how sharing the thrill with his brother and sister elevated the Colonel’s win
Angelic result for Debbie but shadows rob Linda’s supporters in first two-year-old race
Mark: How we drive Argyle on Saturday night is in The Kid’s hands - he’ll work it out
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 4: Colonel Lincoln
7.44pm
“He’s definitely the one to beat. He bolted in last week and did a bit of work as well. This doesn’t look much harder.”
Race 5: Kevin Kline
8.09pm
“He still young and green and just got his head round last week when he caused the false start. He was less than three lengths from the winner and should go another good race in what looks an easier field.”
Race 7: Lincoln Lou
9.06pm
“I think he’s the most likely to win. He just had to sprint a bit far last week and came very wide. He’s got a better draw this time.”
Race 7: Debbie Lincoln
9.06pm
“She just got into it a wee bit late last week but got to the line really well. She’ll be improved and go another good race.”
Race 7: Frisco Bay
9.06pm
“He finished fast with Debbie last week and ran the fastest closing sectionals from the back. He could be dangerous depending on what sort of trip he gets.”
Mark Dux’s comments
Saturday night at Albion Park
Race 3: Argyle
9.51pm
“Even though a couple got past him last week, I thought he was pretty solid. He did all the work and the winner, Hiranya, is a pretty decent horse. I think we’ll cross the one horse and lead. If we can, good, if not, it’s not the end of the world, I’m sure cover would come. I rate him a top three or four chance for sure, barring bad luck.”
