Tim O'Connor picks his favourite bits from the harness racing week that was and the one ahead...

THE HERO

Arcee Phoenix

What a brilliant result it was for the Victorians in New Zealand last Friday, with Arcee Phoenix taking out the second running of the TAB Trot at Cambridge.

It was a special moment for all involved, including trainer-driver Chris Svanosio, slot owner, Aldebaran Park’s Duncan McPherson, and the horse’s connections.

Queen Elida was runner-up to Arcee Phoenix and took her career earnings past $1million.

It was special to see Svanosio and Queen Elida’s driver Chris Alford exchange a fist bump after the winning post as the Victorians landed the quinella.

HOW GOOD WAS...

Great to see John Mamouney back in the winner’s circle at Bray Raceway last Thursday night.

Mamouney, who drove the hall-of-famer Popular Alm to a couple of victories in his early years, tasted success for the first time as trainer since July 2015 when Blue Skye Alm saluted in the Ballarat Mower Centre 4YO and Older Maiden Trot.

Gwen and Arthur Pearce, the parents of Mamouney’s wife Jeanette, bred Popular Alm, who raced 62 times over seven seasons for 49 wins, seven seconds and three thirds.

CAN'T WAIT FOR THIS!

Who will join the honour roll in this year’s Stawell Trainer Driver Sprint?

Chris Alford won the inaugural dash in 2023 before Michael Bellman prevailed last year.

The foot race will be part of Stawell’s Good Friday meeting on April 18.

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR...

Drivers partnering horses in Victoria with the one saddlecloth on Friday, April 25 will wear commemorative ANZAC silks.

The two Victorian meetings on ANZAC Day are at Cobram (day) and Melton (night).

POP THIS IN YOUR DIARY

Even if you aren’t planning to buy during Sunday’s Nutrien Equine Melbourne Yearling Sale at the Inglis Complex, Oaklands Junction, it’s still worth heading along.

It’s sure to be a great afternoon of looking at the beautifully-prepared horses, following the bidding and catching up with good harness racing people.

The action starts from 11am.

ONE FOR THE BLACK BOOK

The Answer

What a great first-up run it was from Brent Curran’s pacer, who looped the field from last at Bendigo on Wednesday night and just missed second in a photo.

He looks in for a great preparation.

SOMETHING TO PONDER...

Is it a forgone conclusion that the unbeaten Keayang Zahara will continue her dominance when stepping out as a four-year-old this season?

Without trying to put a dampener on her, I feel the general expectation on her needs to be tempered – just a tiny, tiny bit.

She’s a star, no doubt about it, but she’s only beaten three-year-olds to date. And now, as a 120-rater, she will battle the open class trotters, possibly from difficult barrier draws.

And while she looks an exceptional talent, just remember how good the squaregaiting ranks are here in Victoria and around Australia. Is she ready to beat seasoned stars like Arcee Phoenix, The Locomotive, Im Ready Jet, stablemate Keayang Chucky and Harry Stamper? Maybe, but it won’t be easy.

Either way, I can’t wait to have her back at the track in the coming weeks. It’s going to be fun to watch and I hope she keeps that winning streak in tact.

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The opinions expressed in The Forum are those of the author and may not be attributed to or represent policies of Harness Racing Victoria, which is the state authority and owner of thetrots.com.au.