Captain Nemo won four races for trainer-driver Mark Dux in his first campaign in Brisbane. PHOTO: Dan Costello.
Dux: Captain Nemo primed again and he can go through the grades at Albion Park
By Barry Lichter • 23 February 2022
Trainer-driver Mark Dux is tipping Captain Nemo is in for a good campaign and rates a winning chance at Albion Park on Friday despite not having raced for more than three months.
Captain Nemo, who notched four wins and four placings in 12 starts for Dux late last year, had his January resumption delayed by a virus but Dux says he’s really happy with the horse now and, with an ounce of luck, he can win his 1660 metre opener.
“I don’t really want to give him a gut buster first-up so I’ll just play it by ear off the gate,” says Dux who would prefer to drive the horse a bit quieter in his campaign opener and have him hitting the line.
“I’m not looking to send him off the gate but while I don’t want to be looking for the death I won’t be unhappy if I end up landing there.”
Dux says if he settles outside the pole runner, 13-race winner Juddy Douglas, he knows what to expect.
“He’ll probably lead and his driver (Matt Elkins) likes to run along.
“If he drives the horse like he normally does, he’ll cut him loose at the 800 and throw in a 26 quarter.
“But he’ll be tippy-toeing up the straight and if we can be close enough, we can run him down.”
Dux says Captain Nemo is good enough to go through his grades this campaign.
“There are a few wins in store for him and I think he can make open class. He’s shown he’s got the ability. If you look at the times he’s run and what the fast class run, he’s good enough.”
Captain Nemo has made a habit of toughing it out in the death seat but Dux says the four-year-old has a bit of high speed in his armoury as well.
He plans to aim the horse at a A$13,930 penalty free race on March 12, a Team Teal female driver championship heat.
Dux plans to trial stablemate Tommy Lincoln on Friday after his race this week didn’t go ahead.
Tommy also succumbed to a virus in January but is ready to go again.
“Hopefully the trials will be held. There’s been heaps of rain overnight and they’re expecting a lot more tomorrow. “
Captain Nemo races at 3.42pm NZ time at Albion Park on Friday.
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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.”
