New Zealand's chances of a Victoria Derby victory on the last night of harness racing at Moonee Valley received a body blow yesterday.
Both Kiwi chances in the A$200,000 classic on Saturday night drew awkwardly, while two of the leading Australian chances drew ideally.
Sir Lincoln, racing as Lincoln Royal,
will start from one on the second line in the talent-crammed race, while Courage To Rule will start from wide on the front line.
Aussie pacers For A Reason (two) and Chariot King (three) have great draws, while Lanercost and Major Bronski, heat winners from last Friday, have drawn the second line.
Kiwi hope Bondy has drawn four on the front line in the A$400,000 Hunter Cup, with Pembrook Benny on the second line, in which other New Zealand contenders Bettor's Strike (10m) and Mr Feelgood (20m) will start off handicaps.
Sundon's Gift is set to start a red hot favourite in the Interdominion Trotting Final after drawing one, with his much-hyped stablemate Skyvalley drawing the outside of the front line.
Meanwhile, New Zealand Cup winner Monkey King faces a tricky return to the track at a rare Addington day meeting on Saturday.
The $2.2 million earner will start from one on the second line in the $75,000 Summer Cup, with wonderful mare Kiwi Ingenuity perfectly drawn at barrier three. The race also sees the return of former New Zealand Cup runner-up Baileys Dream, who has drawn the outside of the front line.
