DAVID MORAN gives Lochinvar Art a loving pat after their Chariots Of Fire win at Club Menangle Photo by Ashlea Brennan
OUTSTANDING pacer Lochinvar Art will be given the opportunity to grab a share of history early next month.
Thanks to his victory in the Chariots Of Fire at Club Menangle last night, Lochinvar Art received a ‘golden ticket’ into the $1million Ainsworth Miracle Mile.
The southern hemisphere’s premier speed test, the Miracle Mile is programmed to be run around the 1400-metre circuit on March 7.
With trainer David Moran declaring the invite to Australasia’s richest race will be accepted, the four-year-old will be aiming to become just the second pacer to secure the venue’s two premier events in the same season.
Former boom gelding Have Faith In Me became the only performer to achieve the feat in 2016.
Only three other pacers have captured the pair of features, which have been run simultaneously since the Chariots Of Fire’s introduction to the racing calendar in 1995.
Holmes DG won the Chariots Of Fire in 1999 before returning to win the Miracle Mile as a five and six-year-old, Smooth Satin won the latter at five, while Christen Me was six.
As for four-year-old Miracle Mile winners, Mount Eden was the first when he produced a phenomenal run to score in 1971, followed by Gundary Flyer in 1982, Westburn Grant in ’89, Iraklis in ’96, Christian Cullen ’98 and Spankem last year.
“We will definitely be starting him in the Miracle Mile,” Moran said. “It’s not often you get a chance to compete in a $1million event.
“He was sensational tonight and deserves a shot at the big one.
“I will give him a steady week now then wind him up a bit as the Miracle Mile gets closer.”
With Moran holding the reins, Lochinvar Art began well from barrier five to settle outside Demon Delight, which led from the pole.
Forging his way to the front at the top of the home straight the son of Modern Art staved off a late challenge from Self Assured to score by a head.
Max Delight was five-and-a-half metres away third.
“I was concerned having Mark (Purdon, Self Assured) on my back, but he fought on so well up the straight,” Moran said. “It was a brave run and very pleasing.”
Covering the mile in 1:50.1, the entire extended his record to 15 wins, 15 placings and earnings of $505,796 from 33 starts for owner Kevin Gordon.
