Captain Nemo needs only a little luck to be Topping his rivals at Albion Park tonight
By Barry Lichter • 13 October 2023
His draw isn’t ideal but Captain Nemo needs only a little luck to score a deserved win at Albion Park tonight.
While Captain Nemo has drawn eight in the fifth race, the fact he is the sole second line runner gives claiming driver Jordan Topping the chance to move out into the running line early, says trainer Mark Dux.
“The back row is better than seven and if he gets any luck he can beat them.
“I’m very happy with him - he’s trained really well since his last race.”
Jordan Topping has driven 70 winners.From gate seven on October 3, driver Angus Garrard was forced to drop to the rear and the horse finished on for third as a $34 outsider, less than 10 metres from the winner Luvbite, who clocked a mile rate of 1:55.4 for the 2138 metres, home in 56.6 and 28.2.
From two tonight over 1660 metres, Dux says Luvbite is the logical leader again and the one for the equal top-rated Captain Nemo to beat.
“If Luvbite walks and gets a cheap middle half it will make it hard for us but if something makes Luvbite do a little work, Nemo will be right there with an ounce of luck.”
Topping, 20, who has 70 wins to her name, 28 of them last season, would do a good job on the horse, Dux said.
“I think he’s a really good hope in the small field. He’s put in only one average run this time in, when driven hard, and he hasn’t had a great deal of luck in the others, hitting the line well every time.”
Captain Nemo races at 10.49pm NZ time at Albion Park tonight.
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Nathan’s comments
Tuesday twilight at Cambridge
Race 2: Dreams Of Eric
4.53pm
“He’s drawn out a bit this week but I don’t think that will worry him too much. The driver’s pretty confident and we’ve got hopple shorteners on him to help him burn off the gate. Zac was pretty happy with his run last time. He only did what he needed to and there’s not much difference in the quality of the field. That one of Andre’s who beat him last time (St John Eight) is quite a nice horse who’d been racing well at Auckland.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 3: Angelic Copy
6.09pm
Update: Scratched
“There is some doubt over whether she will start and we’re taking blood tomorrow morning to see how she is. We eliminated the tie-up problem but after she trained below par this week we took a blood and it showed she had a virus.”
Race 3: Lincoln Linda
6.09pm
“She’ll need a lot of luck from the outside of the second row. She was too fierce again last time, but I’m hoping the likely faster pace on Friday will suit her.”
Race 4: Lincoln Lover
6.40pm
“Lincoln Lover isn’t training as well as Prince Lincoln but he has the inside draw to help him. And he’s a tough little bugger who’s not one to shirk his responsibilities.”
Race 4: Prince Lincoln
6.40pm
“If I had to choose between them I’d say Prince Lincoln is the better chance. He’s training very well and he’d be a chance of getting some of it with luck from his wide gate.”
Race 7: Sugar Ray Lincoln
8.23pm
“I’m not holding my breath. He’s gone some handy races against the very best but he’s not in career best form. I’m just hoping the 2700 metres might suit him better. I think he might need a decent break.”
