Almost trial time for ‘Artie’

The reigning two-time Victorian Horse of the Year has not raced since a fifth placing in the A.G. Hunter Cup in early February, but is well advanced in his preparation and could soon be back on our screens.

“He’s going good,” Lakey said.

“His work has continued to step up in speed and everything is on track so far.

“All going well, (he’ll trial) within the next four weeks I would think.”

Lochinvar Art’s owner Kevin Gordon told thetrots.com.au in May that sights were set firmly on the Inter Dominion series here in Victoria later in the year.

He is currently rated an $8 chance with the TAB to win the grand final on December 10.

“We have no concerns that he won’t come back every little bit as good as he was,” Gordon said.

Lochinvar Art backed up his Victorian Horse of the Year honour from 2020 by being voted as the state’s standout performer through the 2021 season.

Amazingly, it took “Arty” just three runs to secure the crown.

While trained and driven by David Moran, Lochinvar Art won the Shepparton Gold Cup and Ballarat Pacing Cup in January and the A.G. Hunter Cup during February before injury struck and ruled him out for the remainder of the year.

He competed in the same three races he did in 2021 during the early part of this year, but has not raced since.

by Tim O’Connor, for HRV