Phoenix soars among the greats

STAR trotter Arcee Phoenix sealed his position among the greats with an emphatic win at Albion Park just moments ago.

Proving too good for his rivals, Arcee Phoenix captured the Inter Dominion Final to join a host of champion squaregaiters on the honour roll.

Along with his success in the industry's 'Holy Grail', Arcee Phoenix took his bankroll past the $1million mark to become just the second Australian-bred trotter to earn seven figures.

Dual Inter Dominion winner Just Believe - which was welcomed into the Living Legends retirement farm this week - was the groundbreaker with stakes of $1,929,253.

Overall, 11 Australasian trotters complete the 'Millionaires Club', headed by Lyell Creek with $2,256,724.

"He is just a marvel," trainer Chris Svanosio said. "He was unraced as a two-year-old, and has needed time, but he has achieved so much.

"He'd won three Group Ones here in Australia before tonight, plus the $600,000 slot race in New Zealand in April.

"He's still only six and hopefully has a long career ahead of him."

Driven by Svanosio, Arcee Phoenix led throughout from the pole to score by eight-and-a-half metres from Bet N Win, which trailed the front runner throughout.

Oscar Bonavena flashed home from towards the tail of the field to be a half-neck away third.

"There had been a lot of talk about whether he could lead and I was definitely feeling the pressure," Svanosio said. "I felt he would be quick enough and I was happy to be out in front.

"I was a little worried about having Bet N Win on my back, but when he lost contact around home bend, I was pretty happy.

"To win an Inter Dominion is amazing, as I've been watching it all life, and now to actually win it in front of my family is so special."

Rating 2:00.8 over 3157 metres, the son of Trixton took his record to 17 wins and 16 placings from 53 starts for earnings of $1,016,280.