Draw hampers Inter favourite's prospects

ALTHOUGH he's the favourite to win the Inter Dominion Trotters' Final, Arcee Phoenix will struggle to begin the series on a successful note.

That's the call from trainer Chris Svanosio ahead of Saturday night's first round qualifiers at Albion Park.

Pleased with Arcee Phoenix's condition ahead of the opening heat, Svanosio believes the gelding's prospects have been hampered by the barrier draw.

To the Victorian horseman's dismay, Arcee Phoenix has received gate seven - the outside of the front row.

Making matters worse, New Zealand raider Bet N Win has drawn to lead throughout from the pole.

Arcee Phoenix is the $3 TAB Fixed Odds favourite for the Final, with Bet N Win the $3.50 second elect.

As for their pending clash, Bet N Win is at $1.45 with TAB Fixed Odds, with $3.30 offered for Arcee Phoenix.

"Arcee's going to have to do some work at some stage," Svanosio said. "It looks pretty hard for him to win, so hopefully he runs a good race and is not too far away.

"He will definitely have to work at some stage."

Svanosio will also be represented by Aldebaran Acrux, which has drawn five in her heat.

A last start winner in Melton, the American-bred mare is among the outsiders at $26.

"Acrux has drawn five, which can be tricky as she is not quick out of the gate," Svanosio said. "We'll be looking for luck from there.

"Hopefully we're getting the bad draws out of the way early and will get good draws later in the series."