Cranbourne’s trotting races provide the action

The Cranbourne Harness Racing Club held their harness racing meeting last night and the highlight of the evening were there two trotters events the final races on the seven event card.

The Decron Trot saw the consistent mare Illawong Larajay (Sebastian K) patiently driven by leading driver James Herbertson finish too well with a perfectly timed burst to upset favourite Hephaestus Phoenix and Picket Wire.

Well supported Illawong Larajay settled three back in the run while Hephaestus Phoenix showed his customary early speed to cross over and lead from his wide barrier 7.

Chris Svanosio appeared to be cruising on Hephaestus Phoenix in the final lap but he couldn’t get away from the field and was in real trouble when Picket Wire went for an inside run to issue a serious challenge. However Illawong Larajay sprinted a lot quicker and the mare was a little too strong for her rivals. Hephaestus Phoenix fought on for second placing.

The final event was the Aldebaran Park Free for For All and Chris Svanosio had four of the seven runners including his star trotter Arcee Phoenix whom he elected to drive. Arcee Phoenix was having his first start back since his New Zealand campaign where he performed admirably. Hence he was expected to win and was a short priced favourite.

However less fancied stablemate Aroha Koe (Love You) found the lead with impressive early speed and the other stablemate Aldebaran Acrux who had some support settled behind the leader. In the meantime Arcee Phoenix was well back with Aldebaran Zeus. The race suddenly changed complexion along the back straight on the final occasion when Aldebaran Acrux broke up thus losing all chance.

Taylor Youl went for home on Aroha Koe and the five year old gelding stole a winning break. Arcee Phoenix emerged from the pack and was finishing fast but missed by 3 metres with Aldebaran Zeus a distant third.

Aroha Koe has always shown plenty of ability and is especially hard to beat when he is allowed to roll along in front.

Arcee Phoenix showed with his fast finishing sprint that he will figure prominently in the forthcoming trotters features at Melton in the new season.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink