Owner Kevin Gordon says Lochinvar Art has pulled up “super” following his first-up hit-out at Tabcorp Park Melton over the weekend.
The reigning two-time Victorian Horse of the Year produced a brave run for second in the My Lightning Blue Free For All, which was his first race since February’s A.G. Hunter Cup.
From a wide back row draw, Lochinvar Art was sent forward to the death seat at the bell and while he looked beaten turning for home, fought on strongly to hold second behind winner Torrid Saint.
The field rated a slick 1:51.7min for the 1720m trip, with “Arty” beaten 2.9m.
“Nathan (Jack, driver) said he was out of gas at the 400 but when Tango Tara came, he could feel him lift. A true competitor,” Gordon said.
So where to now for the seven-time Group 1 winner?
Gordon said the Minuteman Free For All on September 3 or Group 1 VHRC Caduceus Classic a week later was likely to be Lochinvar Art’s next assignment, with a possibility he might even tackle both.
Saturday night’s event was just the seventh time the horse has raced since the start of 2021 and was his first run for current trainer Rodney Lakey.
He's won 28 of 54 races, with prizemoney earnings at $1,404,556.