Aussie superstar ready to launch in North America

Former Aussie superstar Lochinvar Art (Modern Art) is ready to launch his US harness racing career.

That’s the report from trainer Shane Tritton after the former Victoria and Hunter Cup winner sparkled in a qualifying trial at the famed Meadowlands track this morning (Jan 22 Aussie time) .

Lochinvar Art cruised away from his rivals to win by about three lengths in a 1min52.1sec mile.

“He was sensational,” Tritton said.

“He did that in first gear today, which is exactly what we hoped for.

“The longer we can do that the better, but he’s ready for a race now.

“We’ve some thinking to do … whether we race him this week or wait a fortnight.

“His first run or two will likely be at The Meadowlands. He won’t trial again, he’s off the races now.

“We’re really happy with him and hopefully it’s the start of an exciting time.”

LOCHINVAR ART REPLAY QUALIFIER (No sound due to no commentator in qualifier races)

For complete results for the qualifying trial, click here.

Lochinvar Art was sent to the US by owner Kevin Gordon after having a small bleed in the lead-up to the Victoria Cup in early October, last year.

Gordon felt he needed to go to the US where Tritton and his wife, Lauren, could treat the superstar pacer with Lasix when he races.

“The timing of when he came was perfect because we haven’t had to rush him at all,” Tritton said.

“Even now, he won’t be fully wound-up when he goes to the races, we can build him as we go.

“There’s that series called the Borgata here in March (at Yonkers). That’s the first target and it will give us a guide as to where to take him when the bigger races start.

“We’re obviously hoping he measures up to the very best races and if he gets right back to his best he should, but there are so many options over here for a horse like him.”

by Adam Hamilton for Harness Racing Australia