Lochan Ora set to plunder more spoils
Lochan Ora will be vying to make it back-to-back Cup wins at Omoto racecourse today when he lines up in the Omoto Cup (2000m).
The 8-year-old gelding won the Greymouth Cup (2000m) on the same track last Sunday and will make an unexpected return this weekend after an inspection of Kumara’s track on Monday resulted in their meeting being transferred to Omoto today.
Kelvin Tyler, who trains Lochan Ora in partnership with daughter Aimee, is hoping it will remain a happy stomping ground for his charge. “It was a really good effort that day and he seems to have come through it well,” he said.
Tyler admitted Lochan Ora wasn’t racing up to expectations prior to that run, but said a small freshen-up has revitalised the son of Towkay.
Tyler is hoping for a bit of improvement in the track, which was rated a Soft7 on Wednesday.
“Hopefully the track comes back to a dead track and I think he will be a good chance again.” Tyler will also contest the race with The Bumper and What’s Up Alf. The pair pleased their trainers on Sunday when placing in their 1500m contest, but Tyler has reserved expectations this weekend with the step up to 2000m.
“First time over 2000m for The Bumper, it’s probably a bit of a step up for him, but he certainly handles the bad ground and he will be a good runner’s chance I am picking,” Tyler said.
“What’s Up Alf was a bit like The Bumper on the first day, he went a really good race. He’s up to 2000m now, and he has got a placing over the trip before. “It’s going to be a real test for The Bumper and What’s Up Alf but hopefully they can see it out.”