Arcee Phoenix readies for a tilt at back-to-back Inter Dominion crowns in Queensland when he returns from a spell at Melton Entertainment Park on Saturday night.
The Chris Svanosio-trained squaregaiter and multiple Group 1 winner wasn’t at the top of his game last campaign and actually hasn’t won a race since that Inter Dom grand final victory in 2025.
However, he has trialled nicely for his return, including a 3m defeat by some handy pacers at Melton on May 26 and win over stablemate Gotfeelingsyouknow on Tuesday and is around a $4 quote with Sportsbet to prevail in the opening event on Saturday night.
He will tackle a quality field of rivals, including last year’s Victoria Trotters Derby, Vicbred and Breeders Crown champion Mecarno and Eddie Tappe’s much-loved Im Bobby, who bounced back to form with a great win last weekend.
The Pryde’s EasiFeed Free For All Trot kick-starts the Melton meeting at 5.18pm, and I’ll be on track to bring you the coverage via Sky Racing, Sky Racing Active and TrotsVision.com.au.
BEST BETS MELTON
R3 #2 PRETTYBOY HARRY
Is flying for new trainer Ashley Manton and secured his second win since joining the camp with an easy all-the-way success against stronger opposition than this at Maryborough on Sunday. He loves to lead, looks very likely to find that role here and will take plenty of catching over the short trip of 1720m. Keen.
Suggested bet: Win
R6 #4 RINGER WELLS
The former Andy Gath trotter has now joined the Michael Cole stable and won his last trial at Bacchus Marsh in preparation for this. He produced some good performances last campaign, including a second to Mister Blindside in a heat of the Vicbred Super Series, and looks to have the class to really give this a shake.
Suggested bet: Win
R7 #5 LUVTOBEUPTOME
He was one of the best juveniles in the state last season, closing his campaign with an incredibly brave third in rapid time from the chair behind Loucasso in the Breeders Crown final. His most recent trial was good at Melton and he looks ready to fire in 2026.
Suggested bet: Win
R9 #6 MISS ARI
A really nice mare from the Gary and Debbie Quinlan yard who hasn’t been seen at the races since finishing out the back as a $9 chance in the Group 1 NSW Oaks last May. She defeated some good rivals while winning a heat of the series before that and I absolutely loved her most recent trial when she came from last to be beaten just 3.7m by Luvtobeuptome. I think she can sprint over the top in the small field.
Suggested bet: Win
EARLY QUADDIE
4,6,9,11/5,8,10/2,5/1,9
QUADDIE
1,3,4/1,2,3,4,8/3,5,6,7/1
BEST BETS
GEELONG, FRIDAY
R1 #3 TALKBABYTALK – (each-way)
R4 #4 SHEZALOVER – (win)
R5 #2 LOOK AT HER – (win)
R7 #8 REMEMBRANCE TIME – (win)
EARLY QUADDIE
1,3,10,11/1,5,7,8/1,4,8/2,4,6
QUADDIE
1,2,5,6/1,5/1,8/7