Lochinvar Art grabbed a much deserved big Group 1 and maintained his edge over New Zealand rival Self Assured with a stirring victory in Saturday night’s Chariots of Fire at Tabcorp Park Menangle.

The David Moran-trained-and-driven star sat parked for much of the 1609m journey, hit the lead at the 200m mark and held off his Kiwi rival by a whisker to take out the $200,000 classic.

It was Lochinvar Art’s third career win at the elite level, but surely the most satisfying for connections.

“The Bonanza was an amazing feeling and then last night was just something different again,” Moran said.

“It was a bit of an empty feeling to a degree… it just felt so surreal. It was a bit different, but it was damn good that’s for sure.”

Moran admitted he was concerned about Self Assured during the run after trainer-driver Mark Purdon managed to find a spot just behind Lochinvar Art.

“I must admit, I didn’t expect Self Assured to lob on my back (from outside the back row) so that had me pretty worried,” Moran said.

“He just felt that good it wasn’t funny, but it was always going to be a bit of concern with him right there.”

Lochinvar Art’s success, in a blistering mile rate of 1:50.1, has booked him a place in next month’s Miracle Mile and Moran is currently weighing up whether or not he brings the star four-year-old back to his Kialla base in Victoria before the race.

Fellow Vics Max Delight (David Aiken), Demon Delight (Emma Stewart), Out To Play (Clayton Tonkin), Fourbigmen (Emma Stewart) and Hurricane Harley (Emma Stewart) finished in placings third through to seventh respectively.

The Stewart camp was celebrating a short time later, however, after Maajida’s strong win in a heat of the NSW Oaks.

Driver Greg Sugars took a bit of time to find the lead on the three-year-old, but once there she proved far too good, racing clear in the straight to score by five metres.

Sugars was pleased with the feel he got leading into the Group 1 final next Saturday night.

“We had a great run getting easy early sectionals, but she felt very strong through the line,” Sugars told thetrots.com.au.

“The Kiwi horses will be hard to beat (in the final) so hopefully we get a good draw this time.”

Maajida is on the third line of betting at $6.50 for the final behind those Kiwi raiders Stylish Memphis and Dr Susan, which won the other heats.

 

Picture: Courtesy of Club Menangle.