Turning for home last week and Captain Nemo is second and battling bravely, after a very fast mile.
Mark looking for top three finish from brave Captain Nemo at Albion Park on Tuesday
By Barry Lichter • 12 December 2022
Captain Nemo needs only a little luck to finish in the top three at Albion Park tomorrow afternoon, says trainer Mark Dux.
While Captain Nemo couldn’t live up to his favouritism tag last week, Dux rated the horse’s effort to finish fourth as first rate.
“I thought his run was terrific considering he sat parked and they went a 1:52.2 mile rate, which is very good time for that grade,” Dux said.
Captain Nemo left the gate fast and, while he secured the early one-one sit, driver Angus Garrard popped out and went round, believing the lead would be there for him.
It wasn’t, and the horse had to sit parked but he never gave in, was still running second early in the run home, and fought on bravely to be 14.6 lengths from the winner Kanye Crusader.
“I don’t think he has to sit outside the leader, he races as good from behind. He just needs a solid tempo.
“There’s a little bit of gate speed there so he’ll come out steady and let the race unfold.
“The outside two - Betterthandiamonds and Bitcoin - are dropping back a long way in class and look the ones to beat.
“But I’m really happy with our horse, he’s done terrific since the race and, with a reasonable trip I wouldn’t be surprised to see him finish in the top three.”
Captain Nemo races at 4.52pm NZ time at Albion Park on Tuesday.
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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.”
