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
Tuesday at Cambridge
Colonel Lincoln, Onyx Shard, Commander Lincoln, Debbie Lincoln, Kevin Kline, Lincoln La Moose, The Big Lebowski.
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 2: Commander Lincoln
5.51pm
“Back to Cambridge and the easier amateur ranks he can get some of it. He’s an honest little horse who pays his way.”
Race 4: Onyx Shard
6.49pm
“She’s a nice filly who is training really well and it wouldn’t surprise me to see her in the money in spite of the outside draw. She’d be one of the best in that field and is definitely an each-way chance.”
Race 6: Colonel Lincoln
7.39pm
“He hasn’t raced for nearly 21 months but his training has been good and he should go well first-up. He’s a beautiful, big horse who probably lacks a yard of speed to be a real super horse but he’s got everything else. I expect him to go well against this lot.”
Race 7: Lincoln La Moose
8.04pm
“He’s training well and has surprised us before, like when he won his first start at Cambridge like a monster after breaking on the first turn. It’s always the way when they win their first start - it makes things hard for them after that - but he’s travelling well now and is capable of being in it.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 4: Lincoln Lou
7.09pm
“He’ll be relying on a heap of good luck from the second row. His last run was a non-event. The poor little bugger couldn’t have done a better job of finding trouble. He’s trained on all right.”
Race 4: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.09pm
“He’s training really well and he showed last time what a big motor he had, losing all that ground early and still getting up to win. He’s not famous for his gate speed but as long as he gets away safely then Maurice can put him in the race at the right time. There are a lot of horses in there that aren’t that safe who could stand on their ear. Navigating through them is always a worry. He’ll need some luck but he could give them a fright.”
Race 6: Frisco Bay
8.05pm
“He obviously can’t beat Duchess Megxit or Jeremiah but if he gets a good trip he’s a chance of getting some money. Things didn’t suit him last time - being out three wide then going to the front. He’s so hot, he over-races. He goes best if he’s allowed to slop out and find the back of something, when he generally relaxes. Even if he got back a bit, that would be all right, so long as he gets sucked along.”
