Bypassing the Brisbane Inter Dominion with boom Victorian mare Keayang Zahara was a difficult decision but one her connections are glad they made.

Co-trainer Paddy Lee admits trying to go one better than his stable went with Keayang Chucky when second in last year’s Sydney final was very tempting.

“We loved that series and went home with second and third (Keayang Stuka) in the final, but things didn’t work out at the right time this year,” he said.

“The plan was to take ‘Zahara’ and she’s the best we’ve trained, but wasn’t herself after the Sydney trip in May and we did what was best for her long term.

“We’re all glad we did now. She’s spelled well and looks a different mare now. She’s about to start fast work again and should be back racing in September.”

Despite not being part of the Brisbane action, Lee said he and his clan were watching with interest.

“It’s all set-up for a fascinating last round of heats, isn’t it,” Lee said.

“Arcee Phoenix is the one to beat. He was enormous in his first heat and looks to have taken the next step.”

Lee will be watching the Inter Dominion action at Albion Park in between a busy night of eight runners across five races at Melton on Saturday.

“It’s one of our busier nights, that’s for sure,” he said.

“We’ve got some nice horses in, but I think Jilliby Ballerini is the best of them.”

The four-year-old mare lived in the daunting shadow of stablemate Keayang Zahara last season, but has taken the next step with four wins from as many starts this season.

“That solid season of racing through the good races at three really matured her and strengthened her up,” Lee said.

“She’s heading towards the good races and looks like our best winning hope of the night.”

The Lee clan has three of the eight runners that race, the Aldebaran Park Trotting Mares’ free-for-all (1720m). Keayang Francisco (gate three) and Aldebaran Vera (four) are the others.

Lee is also expecting improvement from Keayang Tokyo in the pacing free-for-all (race one) where he again clashes with stablemate Jilliby Nitro, who upset him first-up at Terang on June 25.

It’s a fascinating race with last-start winner Hes From Heaven (gate seven), and classy trio Cantfindabettorman (nine), Triple Eight (10) and Yambukian (11) the other key players.