Miracle Mile odds tightened after Cup demolition

PACING sensation Lochinvar Art has firmed as favourite for next month’s Miracle Mile.

Within minutes of the five-year-old’s victory in tonight’s A G Hunter Cup at Tabcorp Park Melton, TAB Fixed Odds shortened Lochinvar Art’s price for Australasia’s premier speed test.

Lochinvar Art is now at $1.70 for the Grand Circuit feature, with defending champion King Of Swing drifting to $2.80

The only $1million harness racing event in the southern hemisphere, the Garrards Miracle Mile is scheduled to be conducted at Club Menangle on March 6.

Lochinvar Art finished second in last year’s edition a fortnight after winning the Chariots Of Fire at the world class venue.

“He went huge in the Miracle Mile last year and I don’t think there is any doubt he is a better horse with another 12 months under his belt” trainer David Moran said.

Lochinvar Art’s path to the time honoured sprint will begin in the Newcastle Mile in a fortnight.

The winner of the $100,000 Group One gains automatic entry in to the Miracle Mile.

“He’ll go in the Newcastle Mile next, which offers a Miracle Mile invite to the winner, because Kevin (Gordon, owner) is a local and has always wanted to win it,” Moran said.

“He will have a fair size fan club that night.”

As for his latest triumph, Lochinvar Art was given time to settle into his stride from his second row draw before being sent forward to find the front as Alta Orlando was eased to take a trail.

Striding clear around the home turn, the son of Modern Art dashed to a six-and-a-half metre win from Alta Orlando.

Reigning champion King Of Swing fought on bravely to be three metres away third after racing in the ‘death seat’.

“He did it really easy up the straight and I couldn’t be prouder of him,” Moran said. “He’s just a champion….I love him!

“He’s the perfect race horse, he’s got speed, stamina and toughness – he has it all.”

Rating 1:54.8 for the 2760-metre trip, Lochinvar Art stretched his record to 28 wins and 19 placings from 50 starts for earnings of $1,368,456.