The generally consistent six-year-old never really threatened in finishing fifth in last week's cup at Lord's Raceway behind Spirit Of St Louis and will look to atone when he lines up in the $60,000 Group 2 Shepparton Pacing Cup.

But if last week was tough to stomach, Torrid Saint, who is trained at Strathfieldsaye by Julie Douglas, will be facing a threat of an altogether different kind at Shepparton.

The cup feature will mark the return of the David Moran-trained pacing superstar Lochinvar Art for his first start in nearly 12 months.

The six-year-old has not raced since being sidelined with an injury following the biggest win of his career in the Group 1 Hunter Cup on February 6, last year.

While he has drawn poorly in gate seven in the small eight-horse field, Douglas is expecting Moran to have his Group 1 star and early $1.90 favourite cherry ripe.

Douglas, who will take the reins on Torrid Saint this weekend, concedes that even at his best, the son of Shadow Play and Torridon will be up against it if Lochinvar Art is anywhere near his best.

"I was disappointed with him (last weekend), things didn't go how I felt they should have with him," he said.

"I've felt he's trained better this week, so it will be interesting.

"Look, Lochinvar Art is just that head above them - I'd be happy if I could run second to him, but it is what it is and we will see what happens.

"He'll be airborne, Sal (Moran) wouldn't be running him if he wasn't going."

An early 15-1 chance, Torrid Saint will be the lone horse off the back row after drawing eight.

In terms of his other main rivals, Spirit of St Louis ($3.20) will be backing up from last week's impressive cup win, as will third placegetter Tango Tara ($6).

An already fruitful week for the Douglas stable has included wins with Miss Tyler at Maryborough on Monday, Captain Confetti at Swan Hill on Tuesday night, Whata Journey at Bendigo on Wednesday night, and Ozzie Playboy at Kilmore on Thursday night.

Read more: Three in a row: incredible Journey rolls on

Shepparton's Stephen O'Donoghue and Bec Bartley will target their hometown cup with dual hopes, led by stable stars San Carlo and Western Sonador.

In the night's other feature, Sutton Grange trainer-driver Ross Graham will target victory in the $24,000 Group 3 Derby Royale Trotters Free For All with Nephew Of Sonoko.

Among his rivals will be the Chris Angove/Muckleford-trained Sundons Courage, who will be driven by Michael Bellman.

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