Arcee Phoenix gains another shot at $NZ600,000 TAB Trot

Classy Victorian trotter Arcee Phoenix has secured another crack at the $NZ600,000 TAB Trot ahead of stepping out at Melton on Saturday night.

Duncan McPherson confirmed late today (Wednesday) that his Aldebaran Park harness racing slot would again partner with the Chris Svanosio-trained Arcee Phoenix, who ran a terrific fourth in last year’s inaugural TAB Trot.

Last year’s race was dominated by Victorian raiders with Just Believe, Callmethebreeze, Queen Elida and Arcee Phoenix filling the first four placings.

While Just Believe has been retired and Callmethebreeze is sidelined with hoof issues, Queen Elida and now Arcee Phoenix will return.

Im Ready Jet, who upstaged Queen Elida and Melton last week and meets her again on Saturday night at Melton, is also expected to fill the slot held by her owner, Pat Driscoll.

Arcee Phoenix showed signs of his best form when a good third to Keayang Chucky in blistering time in the Group 1 Hammerhead Mile at Menangle last Saturday week.’

He faces a small but select field in the City Of Melton Scotch Notch Memorial Trot (1720m) at Melton on Saturday night.

Arcee Phoenix is a $2.20 second favourite to turn the tables on Keayang Chucky (gate six, $1.85) this week.

“We’ve had a handshake agreement with the Arcee Phoenix team for a while now and locked it all away this week,” McPherson said.

“He ran such a great last year in a stronger race (TAB Trot) and we’re confident he’ll be right in the finish again.”

Australia looks set to have five of the eight runners in the TAB Trot at Cambridge on April 4.

Along with the three Victorians, NSW-trained Inter Dominion winner The Locomotive and Not As Promised have slots.

Much interest will be on the rematch of Im Ready Jet and Queen Elida in Saturday night’s $60,000 Group 1 Sumthingaboutmaori Mares’ Free-For-All (2760m).

Queen Elida raced well below her best when fourth to Im Ready Jet as hot favourite last week and will have to overcome gate seven. Im Ready Jet, who doesn’t have a lot of early speed, will start from gate six.

by Adam Hamilton, for Harness Racing Victoria