Arcee Phoenix on track to defend his Inter Dominion Championship

Defending Inter Dominion star Arcee Phoenix (Trixton) showed he’s back with a vengeance by leading all the way in the In the First heat of the second round of the Inter Dominion Trotters Championship at Albion Park on Saturday evening.

Despite the presence of Gus, trainer driver Chris Svanosio was quietly confident before the race.

And he flew the gate to take up the running with in form stable mate Gotfeelingsyouknow getting the trail behind. But as it turned out Gus obtained the classic one out and one back trail. Toro Stride was three back on the rails while another Victorian Im Bobby was four back on the rails.

Arcee Phoenix was allowed to run his first two quarters in 31.6 and 31.3 seconds so it was obvious it would be a real sprint home. Nonetheless when Pete McMullen pulled out on Gus on the final bend he was expected to seriously challenge Arcee Phoenix.

ARCEE PHOENIX 11 JULY REPLAY

But Arcee Phoenix cleared away to leave Gus struggling and it was left to Goffeelingsyouknow to issue the final challenge. However Arcee Phoenix fought back and held out Gotfeelingsyouknow by half a head with Toro Stride running on for third ahead of Gus who wasn’t pushed out by McMullen.

A relieved Chris Svanosio reflected on the event.

He likes it up here in Queensland so hopefully he’s timing his run to perfection. He’s such a big heavy horse but he seems to trot good here and he felt terrific tonight. He was very casual but happy when Gus got up alongside him as he loves a fight and I thought he did a great job.

He normally doesn’t get his head down that low. He always raced with a headcheck as he wore a lugging pole. But he never really needed it. The only time he’s put his head down is when he is doing track work. That was the first time he’s led since he’s had no head check.

I had to tell him a few times to put his head back up and concentrate. He seems to love it here. He just seems to love the Queensland sun. last year he seemed to get better with each run and I’m hoping that’s the case this year.

Gus is a great horse and I beat him tonight by having the luck. It all worked out for me tonight. Hopefully we haven’t used up all the luck before next week.

It turned out to be a great night for Svanosio as his strong second string Lovemeto (Love You) driven by Kerryn Manning showed a touch of class in winning second heat of the second round of the Inter Dominion Trotters Championship.

LOVEMETO 11 JULY REPLAY

In an incident packed event with a number of trotters galloping in the run Lovemeto found the lead with a lap left to travel and from them on held off Mufasa Metro who stalked the leader after giving away the front earlier on.

Lovemeto seemed to wobble around the final bend but he had enough in reserve. Zealous Spur who galloped early on came home well for third ahead of Keayang Stuka who failed to run on at the business end of the race.

LOVEMETO 11 JULY REPLAY

Kerryn Manning who has competed in 17 previous Inter Dominions said after the race.

It didn’t go as easy as I thought it would go. Obviously the one had other ideas and he had to do plenty of work in the middle and didn’t get much peace at all. He’s got plenty of ability and he’s very tough and I didn’t want him going wide on the final bend.

He got a bit rough at times but around the home bend I just yelled at him. The more I yelled at him the better he trotted. And he won really comfortable. Tonight he was heaps better but he just made it around the corner. In the home straight he was awesome I didn’t pull the ears (plugs). Its been a few years since I’ve been part of it. And its just great for the owners and Chris to give me the drive on this race.

He’s got some nice ones in the Final and the barrier draws will be a bit crucial but its just nice to be here.

For complete Albion Park results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink