Horror draw to ruin Arty’s comeback party

A HORROR draw has dampened dreams of a fairytale return to racing for star pacer Lochinvar Art.

Set to make his first racing appearance since winning the A G Hunter Cup last February, Lochinvar Art will contest Saturday night’s Shepparton Cup.

To trainer David Moran’s dismay, the millionaire stallion has drawn barrier seven – the outside of the front row.

“I was as excited as a kid before Christmas with him racing again until I saw the draw,” Moran said. “It’s going to make it difficult on him.

“He’s probably going to have a harder first-up run than I would want.

“If that does become the case it may even change my plans slightly by missing Ballarat next week and going straight into the Hunter Cup a couple of weeks after that.

“There is the Casey Classic in between, but that’s preferential draw on money earned in last four starts, which means he’ll be out in barrier 12 and have another tough run a week before the Hunter!”

As for his pending assignment, Moran remains confident Lochinvar Art will produce a strong performance in the Group Two.

“He is feeling terrific and I will give him a trial tonight to tighten him up a bit more,” Moran said.

“He’s ready to run a good race, but whether he wins will depend on how hard he has to do it.

“It’s only a small field, but it will be a race of tactics.

“I can imagine Tango Tara will want to hold up from the pole, which makes Torrid Saint a threat on the inside and if we are in the ‘death’ it puts Spirit Of St Louis on our back.

“It will be interesting, but all I know is Arty is back . . . and I’m rapt.”