By Richard Goodbody
Australian superstar Lochinvar Art will look to frank his reputation as the nation’s most exciting pacer during the 2020 TAB Queensland Constellations.
Earlier today, trainer-driver David Moran confirmed the exciting four-year-old was destined to cross the border in July, with the reigning Chariots Of Fire targeting further Grand Circuit glory in the $250,000 TAB Blacks A Fake.
During Saturday night’s Miracle Mile, Lochinvar Art produced the run-of-the-race – edged out by King Of Swing but losing no admirers in the process – as he posted sizzling sectionals to place at Menangle.
A Queensland campaign that includes the $100,000 Garrard’s Sunshine Sprint before focusing on the $250,000 Rising Sun and the Blacks A Fake is on the horizon, with Moran confirming a trip to regional NSW before heading north.
“I’m setting him for the big, new Group 1 four-year-old race at Wagga on April 12,” Moran told TAB.
“It’s terrific money and looks ideal for him before looking forward a winter campaign in Queensland.
“He’s having 10 days on the water walker now, then I’ll get him ready for Wagga.
“Then I’ll focus on having a month or so in Queensland over winter. There’s the Sunshine Sprint and that new race (the Rising Sun) as well as the Blacks A Fake.”
Having captured the NSW Derby at the weekend, the Anthony Butt-trained Line Up became the first horse to be offered a wildcard into the Rising Sun, which is scheduled to become the richest harness race in the Southern Hemisphere for three and four-year-old pacers.
During June and July, Queensland will host five electrifying meetings under lights, featuring 10 Group 1s and more than $2 million in prize money and bonuses.
TAB has installed Lochinvar Art as a $3.50 second favourite – a pre-nominations market is presently available – behind Kiwi star Self Assured ($2.40), whilst Line Up is on the third line of betting at $7.
Click here for more information on the TAB Queensland Constellations including the Rising Sun.
Image courtesy of Harness Racing Victoria/ Stuart McCormick.