He can get right down in grade to the better races

"I NEVER tell Zac what to do, but this time I did!"

Discussing his victory with Lunchwitharthur at Tabcorp Park Melton during the weekend, Robbie O'Connell revealed he insisted Zac Phillips was in the sulky.

Mates with Phillips' father Lucky "for longer than I care to remember", O'Connell regards the top reinsman as his "adopted son" and was adamant the 26-year-old would be in the cart behind Lunchwitharthur.

The fact Phillips was in New South Wales was just a minor hiccup according to O'Connell.

Owner of Phillips Horse Transport, Phillips spent the week delivering stock to race at Newcastle and Club Menangle.

"Zac was taking horses up there, but I still wanted him back to drive on Saturday night," O'Connell said. "So after doing what he needed there Zac flew home to be at Melton on time.

"I never tell Zac what to do, but this time I did!"

O'Connell is positive it is his demands which ensured victory, and given the manner in which Phillips drove the trotter, it's difficult to argue with that conclusion.

Working to the lead from barrier three, Lunchwitharthur was given the run of the race after being eased to take a trail behind Tipsy Turvey.

Finishing strongly along the sprint lane, Lunchwitharthur completed a five-and-a-half metre win from Marengo Bay.

Sangreal was two metres away third in 1:59.6 over 1720 metres.

"Zac drove a perfect race, which is why I told him he had to be back," O'Connell said. "I've spent a lot of time getting this horse to settle and Zac knows exactly how to drive him.

"This trotter has a very quick turn of foot and I've got no doubt we, along with Georgina (Coram, owner), are in for a lot of fun as I reckon he can get right down in grade to the better races by the end of the year."