Top trotter aiming to break drought

AS STRANGE as it sounds, top trotter Arcee Phoenix will attempt to break a six-month drought from the winners’ circle this weekend.

A short-priced favourite in Saturday night’s Shepparton Cup, Arcee Phoenix hasn’t scored since capturing the Inter Dominion at Albion Park last July.

In the Chris Svanosio-trained gelding’s defence, he has had two breaks and only seven starts during the interim.

“It has been a while since his Inter win,” Svanosio said. “I gave a break when he came home from Queensland, then I tried to get him ready for New Zealand, which included giving him standing start runs off handicaps, but things didn’t go his way.”

Returning from a nine-week absence last week, Arcee Phoenix battled on bravely when runner-up in the Maori Mile in Melton.

With Svanosio in the cart, Arcee Phoenix worked overtime in the ‘death seat’ as freakish mare Keayan Zahara led throughout in 1:55.7 over 1720 metres.

“He was first-up from a break again last week and I was rapt with his run,” Svanosio said. “He stuck at it really well.

“He worked great this morning, will be fitter and hard to beat in the Cup.”

To be driven by Svanosio, Arcee Phoenix will begin from barrier four in a field of six.

TAB Fixed Odds have the son of Trixton listed as a $1.60 favourite, with his stablemate Gotfeelingsyouknow considered the main danger at $5 from gate six.

“Gotfeelingsyouknow has been runner-up at his last three starts and is certainly deserving of a win,” Svanosio said. “If one of them is going to upset Arcee’s night, it could very well be him.”