Phillips takes the reins for Grimson

We’re so accustomed to him carrying the Geoff Webster silks in his races, but it will be a different looking Majestic Cruiser that tackles the Pryde’s EasiFeed Victoria Cup in Bendigo this Saturday night.

The six-year-old is now in the care of New South Wales-based trainer Jason Grimson and will hit the $300,000 Grand Circuit feature on the back of four-straight wins, including three at Group level.

But with Grimson unable to make the trip south, he has called on good friend Zac Phillips to manage the horse’s preparation in the days leading up to the race.

Phillips has also been booked to drive the son of Art Major, who has drawn barrier four for what is his first elite level assignment at career start 95.

“I’m really good friends with Jason, we’ve been mates for a lot of years now, and obviously he’s unable to get down here due to COVID,” Phillips told Trots Talk.

“The horse is coming down to our place on Thursday (today) and we’ll look after him for a couple of days. That’s just how it played out.

“It’s obviously a privilege to not only have a drive in the race, but have a drive on a horse that’s obviously got its share of ability.”

Phillips, who will also partner Dancing Finn in the Pryde’s EasiFeed Victoria Oaks for trainer Amanda Grieve on Saturday night, has won 12 Australian Group 1 races from 84 attempts, but just one of those has been in the pacing ranks.

To view the fields for Saturday night click here.

LISTEN TO THE FULL TROTS TALK SEGMENT WITH PHILLIPS BELOW: