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.
More news in Harness
Consisent little Lincoln Lou sold to Western Australia to join fellow ex-Kiwis
Kevin Kline caps record day for Casey and loyal Lincoln Farms’ team - and can repeat
It’s bon voyage Frisky as Ray celebrates another rags to riches sale success
Huge disappointment for Lincoln Farms as exciting Colonel Lincoln bows out again
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Tuesday twilight at Manawatu
Race 4: Leo Lincoln
5.44pm
“Fergie’s drive on Sunday was perfect, you couldn’t ask for better, and he said the horse was doing his best work in the last 50 metres. Maybe with another 100 metres he might have got there. His gate speed is only OK so I can see him getting crossed here.”
Race 5: Kevin Kline
6.19pm
“Fergie said he did it easily on the first day, and the horse only did what he had to. He’s been racing much nicer horses at Auckland so it was good to get the win, hopefully it will boost his confidence. I’ll leave the tactics up to Fergie but I imagine he’ll probably do the same thing again, loop the field and outstay them.”
Race 6: Onyx Shard
6.54pm
“I was hoping she’d drop down a grade. She’s had some tough trips recently, having to do a lot of work, and it didn’t help being three wide for the last lap on the first day. Also they only walked and sprinted home. She could be better coming with one run at them.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Cambridge
Race 2: Lincoln Lover
5.33pm
“He had no chance last start when trapped three wide all the way. That won’t happen this time from the inside draw so that gives him a chance to get some of it.”
Race 2: Prince Lincoln
5.33pm
“He’s shown no gate speed so the wide draw doesn’t matter. He’s coming along all right but will need lots of luck against the hot pots.”
Race 5: Debbie Lincoln
6.54pm
“She seems to have overcome her tying-up issue, her bloods are good, and she’s training well again. She could possibly be underdone and the seven draw makes it very hard.”
Race 6: Lincoln Lou
7.20pm
Scratched. Sold to Western Australia.
