Arcee Phoenix looks stylish in Free for All win.

One of the nation’s best trotters Arcee Phoenix (Trixton)  issued a warning to his rivals for the forthcoming Inter Dominion when he comprehensively defeated a quality field in the Yabby Dams Farm Free for All at Melton on Saturday evening.

In his first start since winning the TAB Trot at Cambridge in New Zealand in April Arcee Phoenix was drawn on the inside of the second row but driver Chris Svanosio eased him off the fence early and then sent him around the field.

As expected Mufasa Metro led with Plymouth Chubb alongside but Arcee Phoenix was content to race outside the leader.

Arcee Phoenix always looked to have the race in his keeping and he cleared away on straightening to record a comfortable eight metre win over Harold Smith who came from near the rear of the field for second with Im Bobby a credible third.

ARCEE PHOENIX JUN 21 REPLAY

Svanosio was pleased with the first up effort.

“Obviously I had the option to follow Mufasa Metro early but I was sort of happy to do a bit of work on him and find out where he’s at. He’s probably carrying a few extra kilos so good hit out will do him good hopefully.”

“Touchwood everything’s just been perfect since he came back from New Zealand. We gave him three easy weeks and a bit of time at the water worker and was worried I was cutting it a little bit fine if maybe to get him fit but he’s just come up so good and just hoping that he gets through that run good and we’ll get him up to Queensland next weekend.”

“He’s always seemed to thrive on racing so I’m happy to have him a little bit underdone for that first heat but we’re hoping that three runs in a row and makes the Final. We just want to have him travel up well and have him fairly good and we’re looking forward to it.”

“He loves racing he’s just got a great attitude for it so we just want him to travel up well and have him feeling good and we’re looking forward to it. We think this bloke’s ready to take them all on.”

Arcee Phoenix now looks to be the main Australian contender to take on the New Zealanders Oscar Bonavena and Bet N Win as well as New South Wales star London To A Brick. He can only improve on that run and looks hard to beat in the Series.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink