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.
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
Sunday at Manawatu
What’s Up The Hill, Onyx Shard, Kevin Kline (scratched), Leo Lincoln.
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.
