American Dealer goes wire to wire in second leg of rich Borgata series at Yonkers

American Dealer has won his second race in the United States with an all-the-way win in the second leg of the rich Borgata Series at Yonkers Raceway in New Jersey.

And, while Lincoln Farms’ former prizefighter wasn’t the fastest of the five $50,000 preliminary winners he was one of the most impressive, according to Florida part-owner Gordon Banks.

“Dealer was one of the few on the night to go wire to wire as it was a cold night with a fierce headwind,” Banks said.

Despite the conditions, American Dealer and Scott Zeron blasted to the early lead from four and whistled home their last 800 metres in 55.6 and 400 metres in 28, the fastest of the evening, to score by a length and a quarter in 1:53.

It said a lot for the determination of the little pacer as only one other leader in the series got home, the task beyond last year’s Borgata winner This Is The Plan, who was run down by the trailing Ostro Hanover (1.53) in his heat.

American Dealer and Scott Zeron in total control at the finish.The same scenario played out when former Kiwi Jack’s Legend came from the trail to beat American History in the night’s fastest 1:51.4.

The other heats were won by expat Nandolo in 1:51.8 and Whichwaytothebeach (1:52.8).

Banks said American Dealer’s win showed again how critical barrier draws are at Yonkers - in the first round of the series on March 22, Dealer drew the outside seven alley, went back and never got into the race.

Next week’s third round will be a big test for the Dealer who has drawn four in by far the toughest division which features track record-holder and uncontested leader Tattoo Artist (pole), This Is The Plan (two), Western Joe (three) and Ostro Hanover (six).

Banks said American Dealer would probably need to contest at least two of the final three rounds on April, 4, 11 and 18 to earn a place in the estimated US$600,000 final or consolation on April 25.

But trainer Linda Toscano believes the Dealer can be competitive.

“Linda loves him - says it’s impossible not to. She was returning from a holiday in the Bahamas and touched down just in time to watch him win while still on the runway.”