Superstar trotting mare Susan Is Her Name has been struck down by injury again and is out of the Brisbane Inter Dominion series.
It’s the latest in a long line of injury setbacks for the Queensland-owned rising seven-year-old mare, who has raced just 18 times for 11 wins, and will likely see her retired to the breeding barn.
Hopes were high for Susan Is Her Name, the only trotter to have beaten champion mare Keayang Zahara in a race, going into the series after some fantastic trial wins against the pacers.
But a moderate opening night fifth in her heat as favourite raised doubts. Susan Is Her Name was officially scratched today.
It boosts the chances of defending champion Arcee Phoenix, who is out to test raging hot Inter Inter Dominion favourite Gus in their second round heat tomorrow (Saturday) night.
Victorian star Arcee Phoenix led throughout to win last year’s final when Queenslander Gus was an eye-catching fourth, but their fortunes have swung markedly in the 12 months since.
Remarkably, Arcee Phoenix has been winless in 15 starts since, while Gus has stormed to eight wins from 11 starts, including two major NZ Group 1 wins.
But trainer-driver Chris Svanosio insists he finally has Arcee Phoenix back to his best and will “throw everything” at Gus on Saturday.
“I’m going there to win Saturday night, not think about the next week,” he said.
“His past two runs have been really good, I drove him in work (Wednesday) and he trotted great, it’s time to find out where he’s at.
“If I can lead, and I think I will, I’ll be holding the front and giving it our best shot.
“He needs a strong hit out over the shorter trip this week anyway, to be primed for the final next week.
“No doubt Gus is the horse to beat this week and in the final, but we want to make him earn it. We’ve got to try and get him out of his comfort zone.”
Svanosio gets back in the driver’s seat this week after stable commitments in Sydney saw Kerryn Manning take the reins on opening night.
Arcee Phoenix, drawn gate two, has firmed from $10 to $7 for the heat. Gus is $1.20 favourite.
Svanosio also has Gotfeelingsyouknow from the pole in the same heat. Local young gun Angus Garrard has the drive.
“He went terrific to get up and dead-heat last week and has trained-on well,” Svanosio said.
Svanosio is also growing in confidence he can win the other trotting heat with Lovemeto, who led, trotted roughly and broke on the home bend last week.
“I changed a few things and worked him at Albion Park this morning and he trotted much better,” he said.
“His form was so good at home and if he trots like he did in work in the race this week, I’m sure he’ll run really well.”
Kerryn Manning is making the trip up to drive Lovemeto again.
Svanosio’s other runner in the race is imported mare Aldebaran Acrux, who has place claims from gate two.
