Bring on the Queensland Derby and Krug, says Ray, as Dealer shows his courage again
By Barry Lichter • 17 July 2021
Trainer Ray Green is looking forward to next Saturday’s A$100,000 Queensland Derby after American Dealer again showed rare courage to win tonight’s South East Derby at Albion Park in Brisbane.
For the second week on end Lincoln Farms’ little bulldog had to make a solo run three wide in the last lap, and even though driver Anthony Butt had to move as far out as the bell tonight, it didn’t stop American Dealer.
“You could see Ants was trying to flush something out but it didn’t happen,” said Green.
Despite the overland trip American Dealer found reserves to stave off a late run by Captain Crusader who came off his back to get within 1.1 metres.
The leaders ran their last 800 metres in 56 and 400 in 27.5 but American Dealer’s sectionals would have been far more impressive as he powered to a 1:54.5 mile rate win for the 2138 metres.
A sulky cam shot of Captain Crusader chasing American Dealer up the home straight.Green believes the longer 2680 metres of next week’s Queensland Derby will only help his colt when he takes on arch rival Krug.
“You’d have to say he’s going to be one of the hardest to beat next week. Of course the draw will have a bearing on that.
“But he’s a proper littler tradesman, a real trooper and he’s pulled up great too.”
Green said Butt’s chances were helped by the “masochistic” antics of some of the Queensland drivers who liked leading.
“In a way that set it up for us as the leader (Bar Room Banta) caved in to finish only fifth.”
Butt, who started from the outside of the gate, was able to manoeuvre American Dealer into the running line early and thought he was in a perfect position, four back on the outer, following Bondi Lockdown.
“They drive that horse aggressively and always pull out so I was very surprised when he stayed in. It left us exposed but I knew they’d gone so hard early up front and the way he went last week gave me confidence.”
American Dealer staves off Captain Crusader, outer, Bettor Call Me (rails), Delightful Dude (1) and Bar Room Banta (2).Butt believes next Saturday’s Queensland Derby is shaping up to be a great clash.
“OK, Krug wasn’t there tonight but the rest of them were a good lot. It will come down to the draws and luck in the running. If we draw well and Krug draws badly it could turn the tables. American Dealer has shown in New Zealand he’s not far behind Krug. He’s a wee ripper and he’s getting better and better.”
American Dealer again was the subject of heavy support, his opening $5.50 odds shrinking to $3.20 in Australia where he started equal favourite with Bar Room Banta.
The A$17,955 winning purse took his earnings in four Australian starts to A$38,608.
American co-owner Gordon Banks was full of praise for both Green and Butt.
“What a great training job by Ray, acclimating him to Albion Park and a confident winning drive by Anthony.
“I thought the horse raced super. He really is tough and determined - he had to be tonight to go three wide uncovered for the last half mile into a 56 last half.”
More news in Harness
34 more meetings in the north next season as Auckland reclaims Friday nights
No way to sugar coat it - it’s tricky to predict what Sugar Ray will do on Friday night
Argyle out of action, injured, and barrier draw will take Nemo out of play too on Saturday
Rampaging La Moose growing on Ray and right-handed shouldn’t be a worry
Our runners this week
Saturday night at Albion Park
Captain Nemo.
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Major Achievement
5.19pm
“It’s his first race for a while and he hasn’t been setting the world on fire at the workouts. But he’s been racing better animals and this isn’t a stellar bunch. He’s a chance if things go his way. I’ve given Mathew Salaivao the drive.”
Race 1: Commander Lincoln
5.19pm
“He’s an average horse but the last time he raced here in amateur company he all but won. He’ll need luck from the second row but, while I couldn’t label him, he’s a runner’s chance.”
Race 5: Onyx Shard
6.59pm
“She got a bit sick for a while with a virus and I had to back off her. She seems over that now but I’m picking she’ll need a race. This will be like a glorified trial for her.”
Race 8: My Copy
8.14pm
“He came to the end of it so I gave him a little freshen-up and he seems in good shape again. It will be interesting to see how he goes fresh - he may need a race but he’ll appreciate the step-down in class. I’m running him here so he doesn’t come up against any bear cats first-up.”
Race 9: Lincoln Cove
8.47pm
“Hopefully he’s getting better but you’ve just got to take him on trust. He has ability but the desire has been sadly lacking. Zac will have to sit quietly on him as he broke when given only one tap with the stick last time. The small field will suit him as he won’t be too far off them. If he doesn’t make any mistakes, he’ll give them a fright.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 3: Leo Lincoln
6.43pm
“Maurice said he would have finished a lot closer last time than sixth (fourth or even third) had he not locked wheels at the 100. That took all his momentum away. He’s been holding his form well and he gets out well enough to use the inside draw. He’s a chance to get some of the money.”
Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.39pm
“He did have marks on his boot after his last run and trying a spreader on him has helped. But he’s a real baby. He has real ability but he’s still developing mentally and physically and we’re still finding our way with him.”
Race 5: Lincoln Lou
7.39pm
“He’s racing well but he’ll find it tough from the outside draw.”
Race 6: Debbie Lincoln
8.07pm
“I can’t see her improving enough to give the Purdon/Phelan trio a fright. She can go (fast) enough but still has a lot to learn. The main thing for her is getting round safely. She’s put two in a row now so hopefully she’ll start improving.”
Race 10: Lincoln La Moose
9.59pm
“He had an excuse last time - he got wiped out on the first corner and that was the end of his race. I like him, he’s a nice horse, just not quite as experienced as Frisco Bay.”
Race 10: Frisco Bay
9.59pm
“I lean towards Frisky as the better chance of our two. You can’t fault what he did the other night at Cambridge, and he seems to be on the improve. He’s more reliable than Lincoln La Moose.”
