From hard luck story to superstar

IT’S almost impossible to remember there was a time when Lochinvar Art was considered a hard luck story because he just couldn’t win a Group One.

As a two and three-year-old Lochinvar Art contested some of the nation’s richest majors such as two New South Wales Breeders’ Challenge Finals along with the Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland Derbys.

Finishing among the placings in each, the son of Modern Art was the focus of substantial media attention for his gritty performances from horror draws.

Returning with a Cobram Cup win as a four-year-old, Lochinvar Art soon proved he had “turned the corner”.

By the end of the extended season the entire had captured four Group Ones for trainer David Moran, including a 1:48.6 triumph to become the first sub 1:50 winner in Victoria.

“For whatever reason he just couldn’t get the job done at two and three,” Moran said. “Maybe all those hard runs from ordinary draws just to be in the placings have been a benefit in the long run and have toughened him up.

“I’m glad he turned the corner and is still going on with the job.”

Having his second start as a five-year-old last night, Lochinvar Art added another Group One to his tally thanks to his blistering Ballarat Cup performance.

Caught three-wide from barrier six, Lochinvar Art was eased forward to settle outside the leader, Out To Play.

Forging his way to the front at the top of the home straight, Lochinvar Art completed a strong six-and-a-half metre win from the pacemaker.

Forced to the extreme outside around the final bend, Wolf Stride was an eye catching third, four-and-a-half metres away.

Rating 1:57.7 over 2710 metres, Lochinvar Art took his record to 27 wins and 19 placings and a bankroll of $1,083,456 from 49 starts for owner Kevin Gordon.

“He just doesn’t know how to run a bad race and that was another top run from him,” Moran said. “He’ll have an easy few days then I’ll have him ready for the Hunter Cup in Melton in a couple of weeks.”