Draw makes it tough but the longer derby trip will suit gutsy American Dealer on Friday

Lincoln Farms’ trainer Ray Green hasn’t raised the white flag for Friday night’s $200,000 Woodlands Stud Northern Derby despite American Dealer drawing badly.

With Derby Prelude winner Krug inside him in five, Green knows his little prize fighter is going to need some luck in the running from seven.

“But they’re all under the microscope going 2700 metres for the first time and I don’t think he’ll worry about that because he’s so tough.

“I was hoping he’d draw closer in but hopefully there’ll be a bit of mid-race action and he can get sucked into it.”

Green describes the three-year-olds as an even bunch and says luck in the running will undoubtedly decide the winner. But he knows American Dealer can come out on top for American owners Gordon Banks and Marc Hanover if driver David Butcher can secure the right run.

American Dealer ($4.80) has beaten Krug ($3.20) and It’s All About Faith ($2.70) twice already - in the delayed Sires’ Stakes Final at Auckland last September and a Sires’ Stakes heat at Ashburton last October.

When American Dealer had to start from the second row in the two-year-old Harness Million last September only winner Krug, who enjoyed a trail throughout, ran faster closing sectionals over the 2200 metres.

American Dealer again showed his toughness from a wide draw when in the three-year-old Harness Million on New Year’s Eve he made a long run round the field to park over the last lap and still run winner Aladdin to one and a half lengths.

American Dealer was having his first run for two months last week when third to Krug and It’s All About Faith after sitting parked for the last 900 metres of the Derby Prelude and Green says he has bounced out of the run in great shape.

Copy That is untroubled to win the Lincoln Farms The Founders Cup last week. PHOTO: Megan Liefting.The draw might stop Green from labelling American Dealer in the derby but Copy That’s five alley in the $47,500 City Of Auckland Free-for-all clinches his ultimate confidence in the speedy pacer.

“Five is a good draw for him and I don’t think anything could stop us getting to the front again.

“I won’t be telling Maurice how to drive the horse but you’d think he’d lead and dominate.

“Last week’s run wasn’t hard for him, he wasn’t overtaxed, and he pulled up great.”

McKendry told Green after Copy That’s fresh-up run that he couldn’t believe how easily he dispatched his rivals, having to pace only 2:40.7 for the 2200 metres.

Copy That has opened at $1.40 for the Free-for-all, again at 2200 metres, with pole runner Christianshavtime ($4.60) the only one given any chance of beating him.

Lincoln Farms won’t have any runners in the Young Guns colts and geldings final on Friday night after Green was not happy with the way Argyle trained this week and sent him for a spell.

Major Grace finally lands a good draw.But Major Grace will fly the flag in the fillies’ final, albeit as one of the outsiders at $18.

The Art Major filly has run only sixth and ninth in her two races so far but Green points out she had no chance either time from bad draws and gets the pole on Friday.

“She hasn’t been able to get into the race in her previous starts from bad draws. This is by far the best draw she’s had and she should get a good trip from there.”

Major Grace has had two workouts since her last race, running second both times, and Green was pleased with her effort last Saturday.

Tough effort

Tartan Robyn would only have to repeat his tough effort of last Friday to go close in the second race.

Having only his second run for Lincoln Farms, the former southerner had to be driven hard out of the gate to hold the lead, was attacked again down the back straight and again at the bell.

The race was run at a hectic clip and saw winner J Bee clock 2:38.3 for the 2200 metres, Tartan Robyn himself recording 2:40.

“That’s as fast as he’s been in his life and he did well to hold on for fourth after being savaged in front the whole way,” Green said.

“He’s no champion but he’s quite capable of winning a couple of races in Auckland.”

Smokinhotcheddar will have to improve to feature in the third race, says Green.

“She had her chance last week, with a beautiful trail the whole way, but was beaten for speed.”

Green agreed to transfer Smokinhotcheddar to the Northern Mares’ Classic when there were only four nominations and agrees she will struggle to complete with those far higher in the ratings.

Captain Nemo, on the other hand, drops from the company of the top three-year-olds last week to a rating 47 to 55 event in the last race, and comes up with gate two. “

“He’s not good enough to mix it with the top ones and he’s back where he belongs in this grade. I’m sure he’ll be competitive from the good draw.”