Maher eyes Easter Cup breakthrough via Kings Valley at Caulfield
Trainer Ciaron Maher lacks a Easter Cup victory to date but seeks to end that drought using Kings Valley during Saturday's Caulfield meeting.
Saturday's 2000m Group 3 handicap sees Kings Valley third-up, building on his recent success in the Bairnsdale Cup.
Admittedly, the Bairnsdale Cup isn't the most prestigious lead-in for a Stakes challenge, yet it proved vital for Kings Valley as Maher aims to preserve the gelding's momentum in victories.
The UK-bred Kings Valley relocated to Australia winless and needed eight career starts—four locally—to break his maiden in a Horsham 1800m event.
From there, form flourished with subsequent wins at Caulfield Heath, Sandown, and notably Randwick, beating Birdman in the process.
Come spring, Maher held high hopes for progression, but despite good efforts at Moonee Valley and Caulfield, wins eluded until the March 22 Bairnsdale Cup.
"First-up was terrible, but then we gave him a trial and after that we took him to Caulfield for a gallop and that really brought him on," Maher said.
"And it was a brilliant ride at Bairnsdale by Tom (Stockdale).
"It's a tricky little track and they went quick and he weaved his way through. He had to get it right and he did and that's why he won.
"Last prep he never really hit the mark, but I think this prep will be a lot better.
"Last time we ran him at a mile first-up and he pulled and I think that ruined the rest of his prep, but this time there has been a nice progression and now that he's won, he can go on.
"He's on the right path this time and he'll be much better at the 2000 metres."
On Saturday, Declan Bates replaces Thomas Stockdale aboard Kings Valley.
Find competitive racing betting markets ahead of the Easter Cup on the leading online bookmakers.
More Racing News
Hinton to take over as Racing NSW CEO from V'landys
Peter V’landys will be succeeded as Racing NSW chief executive by Graeme Hinton, with the board giving their full endorsement to the seasoned administrator for the top position.Hinton has been filling the role of Acting CEO since July and is slated to formally step into the role on December 1st....
Half Yours faces crucial Turnbull Stakes test
Tony McEvoy is looking to the Turnbull Stakes to provide definitive answers about his stable star, Half Yours.The trainer wants to see the horse, a winner of last year's Cups double, confirm his status as a genuine Cox Plate contender this Saturday at Flemington.Sir Delius, Birdman, and Aeliana, currently leading...
Autumn Boy set for Sydney return by Epsom Day
While Autumn Boy commenced the week in Melbourne, trainer Chris Waller anticipates the multiple Group 1 victor will be present in Sydney on Saturday for the running of the Epsom Handicap at Randwick.The celebrated trainer confirmed at the weekend that the historic mile, a Group 1 event carrying a $1.5...
Guest House's Everest aspirations remain with Price
Trainer Mick Price remains committed to the ambition of having his colt Guest House participate in The Everest, notwithstanding the horse's recent performance in the Golden Rose.The winner of this year's Golden Slipper finished outside the placings for the first time in his racing career, securing sixth position and trailing...
Yeomans' dream win with Changing Colours in Stocks Stakes
The Caulfield Sunday meeting saw dominance from established stables like Maher and Waller, but the most meaningful victory belonged to Lucy Yeomans with Changing Colours in the Group 2 Stocks Stakes.Achieving a Group 2 success with her own name attached was a profound moment for Yeomans, a stark contrast to...
Diameter and Somethings Burnin' go head-to-head in Stutt Stakes
Chris Waller's potential Caulfield Guineas contenders, colts Diameter and Somethings Burnin', battled for supremacy in the Group 2 Stutt Stakes at Caulfield on Sunday.Champion jockey James McDonald piloted Diameter through a tight passage in the closing stages to snatch a narrow victory over his stablemate.The son of Brazen Beau edged...
Pride Of Jenni claims historic third Feehan Stakes
The setting and timing may have shifted, but Pride Of Jenni's affinity for the Feehan Stakes at Caulfield on Sunday remained unchanged.In a display of her trademark front-running style, the popular mare achieved a remarkable feat, joining Shorengro (1968-70) as the only horse to win the prestigious Moonee Valley Racing...
Ceolwulf's Epsom Handicap bid hinges on forecast rain for Joe Pride
Joe Pride anticipates having two contenders in the upcoming Group 1 Epsom Handicap, with the forecast of intermittent rain over the next seven days favouring the start of his star galloper Ceolwulf. The prominent Randwick mile race has been a long-term objective for stablemate Attica, while Pride has kept his...
Skyhook a Golden Eagle contender after dominant Shannon Stakes win
Trainer Gerald Ryan described Skyhook as "poetry in motion" after the four-year-old delivered a faultless display to win the Group 2 Shannon Stakes at Rosehill. The gelding led from barrier to wire in a decisive performance.However, Ryan indicated that Skyhook would not be backing up for the Epsom Handicap next...
Warwoven's Golden Rose win propels colt to $30 million valuation
The sheer versatility of Warwoven is evident in trainer Bjorn Baker's contemplation of races spanning diverse distances, although he cannot participate in all. Nevertheless, Warwoven's dominant performance in the Group 1 $1 million Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday was so spectacular that the colt now carries a...