2025 Inter Dominion trotters final: One draw not ideal for hot favourite Arcee Phoenix, trainer-driver Chris Svanosio says

Chris Svanosio has given punters a warning by conceding barrier one isn’t ideal for dominant Inter Dominion trotting favourite Arcee Phoenix.

Inter Dominion trotting favourite Arcee Phoenix. Picture: Race Images NZ

Chris Svanosio has given punters a warning by conceding barrier one isn’t ideal for dominant Inter Dominion trotting favourite Arcee Phoenix.

The Victorian trainer-driver’s take is a contrast to betting markets which saw Arcee Phoenix’s odds slashed from $4 to $2.50 after he snared the pole at Sunday’s barrier draw.

“No, I’d rather draw two than one,” Svanosio said. “He’s getting out better, but he can take a few strides to hit top gear and from one, I’ve just got to hope he musters quickly enough to hold them out.

“From two he’d have been able to balance up a bit more and we wouldn’t have had that risk of being stuck back on the inside if something does get across him.”

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Svanosio said the most likely danger to cross at the start was his main danger, young Kiwi star Bet N Win, who is drawn in five, but will move down to four if emergency Sir Fahrenheit doesn’t make the field.

Bet N Win, who eased from $3 to $4 after the draw, won both heats of this series by leading from similar barriers, while Arcee Phoenix drew poorly in his two heats and finished a third and a second.

The pair didn’t clash through the heats.

Bet N Win’s co-trainer David White was more circumspect about his star’s chance of leading.

“We’ve got to have a look and we will, but I’m sure we’ll have the speed,” he said. “And you can’t afford to go too hard early, especially over such a long distance (3157m).

But Bet N Win’s driver, Bob Butt, is renowned for aggression when needed and the advantage of leading around Albion Park has never been more pronounced.

🏆 ID25 Round 2 - Trotting Heat 3 🏆

BET N WIN simply too good! He finds cover the trip and explodes late to score his second ID25 Heat win, remaining undefeated at @TheCreekAlbion for the White barn! 🔥 #QLDisRacingpic.twitter.com/P8Mt2uFzXb

— RaceQ (@RaceQLD) July 12, 2025

Leading NZ media man Greg O’Connor expects Butt to get serious early.

“He’ll be coming out charging. I’ve seen enough of him back home to know that’ll be Plan A,” he said.

Arcee Phoenix and Bet N Win have met just once when the former led throughout to win the TAB Trot at Cambridge in April and Bet N Win disappointed back in fifth spot.

But Bet N Win has since won one of NZ’s biggest races, the Group 1 Rowe Cup, importantly over the long 3200m trip, as well as winning both heats of this series.

The other key players in the $500,000 Inter Dominion trotting final – London To A Brick (gate 11), Oscar Bonavena (12) and Gus (13) – will be hoping the two favourites burn early to help them overcome the back row.

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‘He was a tough man, he never backed down’: Garrard mourned

With much sadness we have been advised of the passing of Chris Garrard OAM.

Chris was a gentleman, generous benefactor, a man whose word was his bond and a life member of the Albion Park Club.

C J leaves a wonderful legacy.
Our love and support goes out to all the Garrard… pic.twitter.com/wyqvwjGTwd

— The Creek (@TheCreekAlbion) July 14, 2025

Queensland harness racing is mourning the loss of one of its greatest contributors with the passing of Chris Garrard.

Garrard, 83, was awarded an OAM for his services to the industry in 2019, which covered being an owner, breeder, trainer, driver and administrator.

He was the founder of the huge Garrards Horse and Hound family business, which continues to be a major sponsor throughout Australia and NZ.

“What a father, what a grandfather and what a contributor to the game.” said Garrard’s son, Daren.

“He was a tough man, he never backed down and he achieved so much. It’s very sad.”

Garrard’s family has more than 100 years of history in harness racing. Daren and his son, Angus, are hoping to have an Inter Dominion trotting finalist on Saturday night if trotter Sir Fahrenheit can gain a start as first emergency.

Angus Garrard, 22, is one of the top young drivers in the land with almost 1000 wins already and taking out the inaugural Ladbrokes Ultimate Drivers Challenge at Albion Park in February.

• Adam Hamilton is a paid contributor writing on harness racing for News Corp.