  We show that a new Regge trajectory with \alpha_{f_1} (0) \approx 1 and slope
\alpha_{f_1}'(0) \approx 0 explains the features of hadron-hadron scattering
and photoproduction of the rho and phi mesons at large energy and momentum
transfer. This trajectory with quantum numbers P = C = +1 and odd signature can
be considered as a natural partner of the Pomeron which has even signature. The
odd signature of the new exchange leads to contributions to the spin-dependent
cross sections, which do not vanish at large energy. The links between the
anomalous properties of this trajectory, the axial anomaly and the flavor
singlet axial vector f_1 (1285) meson are discussed.
