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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Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: The Night Fox
5.44pm
“From a good front line draw Harry can run off the gate and find the front. He’s shown he’s got the speed to get there. And if he can go 2:42 again, or quicker, I thought he’d be a very good winning chance. It’s an easier field than the one he beat last time. He’s trained well this week.”
Race 2: Rivergirl Bella
6.09pm
“She goes down to Cambridge for the first time so it’s a big drop in class. She also goes a lot better left-handed so I thought from the good draw she could run top three.”
Race 3: Lincoln Maree
6.34pm
“She paced a 1:56.7 mile in beating the amateurs last start but it looks like she’ll need a bit of luck from the draw this time. The two inside her like to lead so she could end up three fence or outside them. I’ll leave it up to Harry to get the right trip.”
Race 3: Lincoln Lover
6.34pm
“He’s a place chance. He likes bowling along but from five it’s hard to say where he’ll end up. He’s very consistent and he paced 2:42.3 last time so I can absolutely see him in the money.”
Race 6: Lincoln Linda
8.04pm
“She was in a very strong R40 to R48 race last time at Auckland against horses like Alecto, All Of Me and Cyclone Rebel, and she clocked 2:41.1, so back to Cambridge where she won her first race, and a much easier R38 to R40 field, she’s got to be a good winning chance. She’s best in front if Fergie can get there.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Leo Lincoln
4.42pm
“I’m not holding my breath with him. We won’t count that last run, when the leader went ballistic and he couldn’t get into the race, but he’s not well placed here.”
Race 4: Spiritual Bliss
6.09pm
“She’s racing really well and this looks a bit easier than last time when she was trapped in the breeze in a strong field. I can’t see how she won’t be right in the fight.”
Race 7: Missy Lincoln
7.34pm
“I didn’t know what to expect on debut but she was very brave. I’m picking she’ll go well again but she’ll need a bit of luck - drawn the second line we’re at the mercy of others. We’ll poke her out and see. At least she won’t get parked this time.”
Race 10: Lincoln Wave
9.07pm
“We’re racing the best horses now but he’ll definitely go better than last time. Tony (Herlihy) said he felt super across the top but once in the straight he flattened out, which I half expected. I had him scoped afterwards just to make sure he was all right but he was short of a run, that’s all.”
Race 10: Johnny Lincoln
9.07pm
“He went super when third last week and Fergie said just wait ’til he gets over 2700 metres, he’ll be a monster. He’s turned into a proper racehorse. From four there’ll be a bit of urgency early and hopefully he can get a suck along and get some of it.”
