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.