Undefeated youngsters on collision course

UNDEFEATED youngsters Verbici and Phoenix Rex are expected to have no trouble maintaining their perfect records on Friday night.

Engaged in Vicbred Super Series heats in Melton, the pair are short-priced favourites in the 2240-metre qualifiers.

Should all go according to betting markets, Verbici and Phoenix Rex will then battle for supremacy in the Group One Final on September 12 in what promises to be an enthralling clash.

Poised to contest the opening heat, Verbici will begin from barrier five with co-trainer Chris Lang in the cart.

Lang prepares the son of Orlando Vici, a winner of his five starts, with Sonia Mahar.

Returning from a break to score in Melton on August 22, the two-year-old has thrived since the outing according to Mahar.

“We’re very happy with where he is at going into the series,” Mahar said. “The time off did him the world of good and he has trained on well since his run a couple of weeks ago.

“His work has been solid and he is ready to go.”

Trained by astute horseman Steven Loftus, Phoenix Rex has won his four starts in stylish fashion, including the Qbred Final at Albion Park on August 22.

Phoenix Rex’s success in the Group Two doubled as Loftus’ 100th training victory.

To be driven by Ryan Sanderson, the son of Trixton has also drawn barrier five.

“Phoenix Rex has been impressive,” Mahar said. “He came home very strongly to win in Queensland, and based on his runs, is the one to beat in the series.”