Possible NZ trip on the cards for Arcee Phoenix

A Kilmore harness racing success to a New Zealand adventure is the path that Chris Svanosio is hoping to take with his star squaregaiter Arcee Phoenix (Trixton).

The five-year-old has had two runs this preparation ahead of Friday night’s Group 3 MC Labour Kilmore Trotters Cup.

“I have been happy with his two runs,” trainer-driver Svanosio said.

The gelding out of Justa Phoenix is set to line-up for his first race under standing start conditions.

“It is his first standing start race, so it will be a bit of a challenge for him,” Svanosio said.

“He has had a few trials from it (stand), so hopefully he is a natural at it.”

The $400,000 Dominion Trot in New Zealand during November is a possible target for Arcee Phoenix, if he can master the standing start craft.

“He would have to be absolutely flying to go there (New Zealand). If he can run well on Friday night and keep improving, we will be looking to go to New Zealand with him,” he said.

The gelding by Trixton can boast the record of being the last horse to beat trotting powerhouse Just Believe.

Arcee Phoenix was able to hold Just Believe at bay in a five-horse race at Melton on March 30.

“We have been close to him a couple of other times,” he said.

“Him (Just Believe) and Callmethebreeze are the benchmark.”

Svanosio and Arcee Phoenix will join the likes of Mufasa Metro and Callmethebreeze off a 30m handicap in Friday’s Group 3 event over 3150m.

“We knew we were going to be back there with the other good ones, the handicap over the distance isn’t too much of a concern,” he said.

“We just need to get away safely and run good against the other good trotters. We will get a good guide to where he is at.”

The MC Labour Kilmore Trotters Cup is set go at 8.03pm.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Lachlan Mitchell, for Harness Racing Victoria