Lochinvar Art's taken some very quick strides towards Group 1 racing with a bristling trial at Shepparton last night, crashing the line in a fast last quarter that left the chasing pack gasping.

The Hunter Cup champ led the field of four throughout the first trial, but after an easy time of it out front reinsman Nathan Jack urged him home across the last 600 metres and he soon gapped the field.

The 56-second last half included an unofficial 26.7-second final quarter, with 'Arty' winning by 30 metres to 79 national rated horse Major Delico, who cleared out by a further 15 metres from third-placed Hurricane Hall and fourth-placed Rocket Boy.

Lochinvar Art's trainer Rod Lakey liked what he saw, giving the performance a 'thumbs up'.

"He's pulled up bright as a button," he said.

The trainer was yet to commit to the next step for the champ, who many believe is Australia's best pacer.

"No decision will be made until the next few days," Lakey said.

Anticipation is growing amid Australasia's pacing elite, with the October 8 Victoria Cup and Victorian Inter Dominion, which kicks off on November 26 at Ballarat, looming large on the national calendar.