Inter Dominion trotting favourite Arcee Phoenix had a spin around Albion Park yesterday (Wednesday) to cap his preparation for the opening round of heats on Saturday night.

Trainer-driver Chris Svanosio said the star six-year-old has handled the long road trip to Brisbane well with stablemate Aldebaran Acrux.

“They seem well. We brought them up, so they’ve been here since Sunday,” he said. “Unfortunately, it rained the first two days and limited what we could do, but they had a jog around Redcliffe (track) today (Tuesday).

“They’ll need a bit of work, so it’s great we’ve got the chance to take them into Albion Park tomorrow.”

Arcee Phoenix, who landed his biggest win in the $NZ600,000 TAB Trot on April 4, has only raced once since for a sparkling Melton win last Saturday week.

“He hasn’t had the lead-up race a few others have had, but I think it suits him and I know he will build through the series,” Svanosio said.

He faces a big opening challenge from an outside front row draw (gate seven) against the ideally drawn young Kiwi star, Bet N Win, who will start from the pole.

Bet N Win is a $1.50 favourite with Arcee Phoenix at $3.50.

“It’s a tough start, but hopefully we’re saving our luck in the draws for the final if he makes it,” Svanosio laughed.

“He’s come from those draws and raced really well before, but I also know he’ll improve on whatever he does this week.”

Arcee Phoenix is $3 prepost favourite for the $500,000 Inter Dominion final with Bet N Win a clear $3.50 second elect.

Svanosio admits US-bred mare Aldebaran Acrux has been a pleasant surprise.

“She really earned his chance at the Inter Dominion with her continued improvement, especially those past few runs,” he said.

“She’d only won three races in the US and added another six wins here through a long campaign.

“Most felt she’d be a speed horse, but she’s shown she is a real stayer so I think the series will suit her.

“It’s a tricky start from out in gate five for her, but I still think she’ll run well.”

It’s a big Saturday for Svanosio with two runners – Gotfeelingsyouknow and Remus Phoenix – in the sixth race at Melton as well.

“I thought seriously about taking Gotfeelingsyouknow up to the Inter Dominion as well, but he just had a few setbacks at the wrong time,” he said.

“He’s got loads of ability, but he’s had more than his fair share of issues.

“He’s up to the good races and there’s plenty of him, as long as we can keep him sound.”

Gotfeelingsyouknow, formerly trained by Anton Golino, made it six wins from just 11 starts when he returned from more than nine months out to win in slick time at Melton last Saturday.

Ross Payne will drive Gotfeelingsyouknow (gate six) in the Aldebaran Park Trot (2240m) with Taylor Youl landing the drive on Remus Phoenix from gate seven.