Sidelined superstar Lochinvar Art is officially out of Inter Dominion contention.
Trainer Kasey Kent had hoped a mix of rehab work with stud duties at Cobbitty Equine could have Lochinvar Art ready for the first round of Inter Dominion heats in late November, but the latest scan on his troublesome leg was not as good as hoped.
“He’s not allowed to step on to the track for another two months or more,” Kent said.
“We had him scanned the other day and, although it’s healing well, it’s just not 100 per cent where we’d like to be. It’s a bit behind schedule.
“He can start the stud duties and water walking and swimming, but just not do anything on the track. We feel it’s more beneficial if we give him the full amount of time to get him back to 100 per cent.”
Although the revised timing means Lochinvar Art won’t race again this year, it still keeps alive hopes of defending his Del-Re National A. G. Hunter Cup crown.
Lochinvar Art hasn’t raced since winning the Hunter Cup on February 6 at Tabcorp Park Melton. He was found to have a hoof issue soon after, which ultimately derailed his Miracle Mile campaign.
The five-year-old has raced 50 times for 28 wins, 19 placings and $1,368,456 in earnings.
In other news, top WA trainer Greg Bond again outlined his plans for a big raid on the Victoria Cup Carnival in October during an interview on RSN this morning.
“Exactly how many horses and which ones will be decided closer to it, but Minstrel and maybe Mighty Conqueror are the two in consideration for the Victoria Cup,” he said.
Importantly for prepost punters, Bond said it was “very unlikely” any of his open-class stars would tackle the NSW Inter Dominion.
“I’m not saying we won’t nominate any, but it is very unlikely we’ll take any to Sydney. It’s hard to get there (from Perth), the stakemoney isn’t great – especially in the heats – and having to travel for two rounds of the heats makes it a big ask,” he said.
