Racing: Monkey King under slight cloud

Will Changeover farewell his Auckland fans? Photo / Brett Phibbs

Auckland Trotting Cup favourite Monkey King is under a slight cloud going into Friday's $500,000 classic.

However, trainer Brendon Hill is still confident he will get the $2.40 favourite to the post for the great race.

Monkey King and stablemate Baileys Dream were scheduled to arrive back in Auckland this morning after chasing Blacks A Fake home in the A$1 million Interdominion Final at Menangle on Sunday.

While Monkey King got closest to the winner Hill still believes he raced below his best and the tiny pacer showed signs of being slightly off colour after the race.

"I don't want to make a big deal about it because the bottom line is we were beaten by a freak," said Hill.

"But Monkey had a couple of coughs and while we don't want to take anything away from the winner I don't think our horse was at his best to be honest.

"Ricky [May, driver] said he didn't travel as well as he usually does and was running out a bit, which is not like him.

"I am sure he will be fine but I will get our vet to go over both horses tomorrow and then make a decision.

"I'd say they will both still start but we just want to be careful because he has had a great season."

Monkey King will start a short-priced favourite if he takes his place on Friday night as he is likely to start from barrier three if second emergency Raglan doesn't make it back into the field.

Georgetown, who was the first emergency, has already got a start with Australian pacer Washakie pulling out last night.

He will head to the spelling paddock after a disappointing performance in the Interdominion Final.

While Hill has the slightest of concerns with Monkey King, he says Baileys Dream has come through Sunday's race well and he will definitely start on Friday night.

"And to be realistic about it, for $500,000 I think they will both be there."

The market for the cup will re-open at 10am today, with Changeover set to come into second favouritism in what is expected to be his last race.

He flew home for fourth on Sunday, admittedly after doing no work in the running, and back on his home track with a handy draw he gets a decent chance of going out on a high.

Bettor's Strike and Bondy are expected to be on the next line of betting in a field ATC officials will be thrilled with.

Six months ago, they had concerns that the Interdominions being run just five days before the Auckland Cup would ravage the race but it appears all the Kiwi contenders at the Interdominions who accepted will make the trip home to contest the race.

Meanwhile, it is likely star 3-year-old Sir Lincoln will take his place in Friday's Woodlands Northern Derby.

The Sires' Stakes winner missed Friday's prelude after developing a temperature and mild signs of colic on the morning of the race.

However, because he had contested the Victoria Derby last month he was able to still be invited into the Derby.

Trainer Ray Green told the ATC yesterday Sir Lincoln had recovered well and he was now on track for Friday night.

Russley Rascal will be around $2.20 favourite for the Derby after drawing well, while key rivals Four Starzzz Flash, Courage To Rule and Sir Lincoln have all drawn poorly.