American Dealer goes wire to wire in second leg of rich Borgata series at Yonkers
By Barry Lichter • 30 March 2022
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.”
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Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Rivergirl Bella
5.44pm
“She did well here last time as she had to do a bit to get to the lead and she dug in and fought on. She’s certainly a chance if she repeats that effort.”
Race 4: Lincoln Linda
7.09pm
“I thought she went super last time after doing a lot of work. She can do that because she has an engine and is tough. She’s a bit one-dimensional - you have to turn her loose early - but from the two draw she should be able to lead and that’s where she does her best work.”
Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.34pm
“I think he’s a bit stronger after his spell. It’s not a great field - most will die on that mark - and I don’t see a problem with the standing start as he’s nicely gaited. He could be marginally unfit after three months out but he’s done quite a bit of work and I can see him going a half-decent race.”
Race 6: Lincoln Maree
7.59pm
“She had every chance last time but I can’t see why she won’t go well again. She’s as honest as they come and tries like hell.”
Race 7: The Night Fox
8.29pm
“You’d think he’d lead easily from the inside. He’s had bad draws and still got the money, so I’m sure he’ll go another good race. I’m surprised they sold him so cheaply. He’s better than people think.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Lincoln Wave
5.09pm
“With the trip he got in the Harness Million I thought he’d have run on a lot better. But he was still a bit short on fitness and sometimes we can expect too much of these horses, he was racing the best, after all. It’s a big drop in grade here and he’s a pretty fair horse.”
Race 1: Leo Lincoln
5.09pm
“He’s an honest sort who’s in a good space but he won’t get a wonderful trip from the outside of the gate this time so I’m not holding my breath.”
Race 3: Sammy Lincoln
6.04pm
“He’s training down well but you never know what he’s going to do. You think you’ve got him sorted and he does something silly. But we know if the real Sammy turned up, he’d be very hard to beat as he’s got a lot of speed.”
Race 5: Prince Lincoln
7.05pm
“He’s another where you don’t know which one will turn up but we’ve gelded him since his last run, so we’ll see if that helps. He trained well the other day.”
