Raging hot Inter Dominion trotting favourite Gus will have a race on his hands Saturday night.
Defending champion Arcee Phoenix is primed, drawn well and set to try and lead throughout in the 2138m second round trotting heat.
Trainer Chris Svanosio will be reunited with the millionaire trotting after missing last wweek because of stable commitments at Menangle.
“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 today (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.”
Arcee Phoenix, drawn gate two, has firmed from $10 to $8 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.
