Captain Nemo was only sixth at Redcliffe but ran some of the fastest sectionals in the race.
Mark: One more run and improving Captain Nemo will be ready to torpedo his rivals
By Barry Lichter • 11 July 2024
A wide draw looks set to consign Captain Nemo to the also-rans again at Albion Park on Friday evening but trainer Mark Dux says he’ll be cherry ripe next time.
Nemo resumed from a freshener at Redcliffe last week where Dux says everything was against him - the tight track, the second row barrier, and the race tempo - but he still ran a satisfactory sixth.
“It went like we expected, a steady first half (62.2) and quick last half (56.7) and he couldn’t get into the race. But his sectionals were still very good.”
In coming from second last in the running, and courtesy of a corner-cutting drive by young gun Angus Garrard, Nemo clocked the fastest third quarter of 27.93 and equal second fastest last half of 56.78.
“To run those times at Redcliffe was pretty good and he was less than 13 metres away at the finish.
“I’m happy with him and one more run to tighten him up and he’ll be all set to go, close to winning.
“It’s not an easy race on Friday and, from an average draw, we’ll drive him quietly again so he’ll be at the mercy of the tempo.
“But funny things happen in racing. They could go silly and we might be able to get over the top of them. If he gets the right trip I could see him hitting the line well and sneaking into the money.”
Captain Nemo races at 6.33pm NZ time at Albion Park on Friday night.
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Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Spirit Of God
5.48pm
“She’s got a bit of lick but I’ll leave it up to the driver (Matthew White) to decide whether to leave the gate. Barry Purdon’s horse Dino looks the one to beat.”
Race 5: Lincoln Maree
7.12pm
“Her race last time was a non-event, the silliest race I’ve seen for a long time, with a middle half in 66.6. It shouldn’t be legal. In the US they’d fine you for going that slow. She tries hard but looks up against it here.”
Race 5: Angelic Copy
7.12pm
“She was out for a long time but has had three runs back now and should be close to being ready to rock. The wide draw makes it tough in a big field.”
Race 7: Prince Lincoln
8.20pm
“It’s always difficult for any horse off a draw like this, let alone one like him, as we know he doesn’t race as well from off the pace. We just have to hope his big demolition job woke him up a lot. His form eclipses anything else in the race but whether or not he’ll bring his best is anyone’s guess.”
