Captain Nemo looks poised to notch his first win since March. PHOTO: Trish Dunell.
Captain Nemo the one to beat at Albion Park today - he had flashing light on him last time
By Barry Lichter • 6 December 2022
Captain Nemo might have run only sixth last start but the way he ran to the line was like a red flashing light for punters.
And from a perfect draw of two at Albion Park this evening, in a lesser quality field, Lincoln Farms’ four-year-old looks like he could even start favourite in the seventh race.
Trainer Mark Dux believes Captain Nemo needs only average luck to be the one to beat.
“I can’t see why he won’t be right in the thick of things. I’m really happy with him.”
Dux was thrilled with how Captain Nemo finished off his race seven days ago, powering home from last at the 300 to finish sixth, albeit 14.8 metres from the winner.
Nemo was credited with the second fastest last quarter of the race, 27.9, and the on-screen graphics in Brisbane had him the fastest horse in two of the last three sections.
“They ran a mile rate of 1:52.8 and Angus (Garrard) said he ran right through the line so I think he’s right back on track.
“I was thrown for a six in his previous start (when he dropped right away) but it became obvious right after the race that he was crook. A heap of thick mucous came out and he took a week to get over it.
“That was his only bad run this time in - his first run back was excellent.”
Dux says the plan today is to let Nemo come out of the gate under his own steam.
“Angus will just play it by ear. If he’s happy to flop out, he’ll go with that or if he wants to run, he’ll just go with the horse.
“He’s well up to beating them, he just needs no bad luck.”
Captain Nemo was the $3.50 fixed odds favourite on the New Zealand TAB this morning.
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Speedy Prince Lincoln and stablemates Maree and Missy fly out to New York on Sunday
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Copy Ten Four
6.19pm
“He’s better going left-handed and he only has to get round safely to be right in the fray. He’s no champion but he’s not a bad horse.”
Race 3: Rivergirl Bella
7.09pm
“She should lead easily and be the one to beat. She was desperately unlucky last time and she’s in good shape.”
Race 5: Leo Lincoln
7.59pm
“He goes much better the Cambridge way round and, while he’s at the mercy of what they do in front of him, he just needs to see a bit of daylight to be right in it.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 3: Rivergirl Maggie
6.07pm
“It’s her first time at the Park, so you have to take that into consideration, but she’s a little trier and it wouldn’t surprise me to see her go close. She wasn’t strong enough early to go on with but she’s strengthened up now.”
Race 5: Sammy Lincoln
7.10pm
“He’s as good as anything in the field on ability and he’s in the zone at the moment. All he needs is a trip and he’s better drawn in three this time so should go well.”
