Making US debut on anniversary of biggest win

FORMER Australian star Lochinvar Art is poised to make his North American debut on the second anniversary of his biggest success.

Arriving at the US-based stable of Australian-born trainer Shane Tritton last October, Lochinvar Art is engaged in a $27,500 conditioned pace at The Meadowlands on Saturday.

While the millionaire stallion attempts to resurrect his career north of the equator, his homeland will be celebrating the latest A G Hunter Cup winner.

One of the most prestigious events in the southern hemisphere, the Hunter Cup is scheduled to be conducted at Tabcorp Park Melton tomorrow night.

Lochinvar Art captured the 2021 edition of the Grand Circuit event when prepared by David Moran and widely-considered the most potent pacer on that side of the globe.

Sidelined through injury soon after, Lochinvar Art spent 11 months away from the races before returning for three modest runs ahead of another six-month break.

Well below his best during his subsequent three starts, the son of Modern Art was found to have suffered a minor bleed, which led to his transportation to America.

Fresh from a recent 1:52.1 trial win, Lochinvar Art, which will be driven by Tritton’s wife, Lauren, is rated as a $5 shot from barrier four.

Former New Zealander, Belmont Royale, is the $3 favourite ahead of another Aussie-bred, Crunch Time, at $3.50.

“We’ve taken it a step at a time to get him used to here and he’s been the perfect horse so far,” Tritton said. “He’s been great. He had some feet issues and a few other little things, but everything has seemed to sort itself out.

“My primary job now is to try to keep the horse healthy and keep everybody grounded until the horse shows what he can do.

“He obviously is a great horse, and usually great horses are always giving everything. I’m sure he’s ready to get out there and do something, but I just hope we can let him ease into it.”