Mornington Cup win gives Kings Valley direct entry to Caulfield Cup
Kings Valley, under the guidance of trainer Ciaron Maher, has clinched a ballot exemption for the Caulfield Cup courtesy of a gritty performance at Mornington.
The Listed Mornington Cup conquest on Saturday delivers the 'Golden Ticket' access to the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) scheduled for October.
Maher notched his second Mornington Cup success on Saturday, echoing Right You Are's 2023 victory, after which it placed fifth in the Caulfield Cup half a year on.
Lachlan Neindorf piloted Kings Valley ($6.50) to a head victory ahead of Pounding ($10), while Suntora ($10) trailed by an additional 1-ΒΌ lengths for third spot.
Jack Turnbull, the Maher stable's National Assistant Trainer, suggested the Saturday achievement might define Kings Valley's future.
"He didn't go about it as you would like," Turnbull said.
"He was on and off the bridle, but he had an economical run and got the right splits when he needed to.
"We've been trying to get to 2400 metres, but he's been a fierce horse to train and race, so we worked the horse down into the race today and it's worked out really well.
"Credit to the horse as I think he will go to the next level over this trip because he's not slow with good change up speed."
With the Caulfield Cup 'Golden Ticket' in hand, Turnbull explained that discussions would ensue regarding the ideal preparation for Kings Valley en route to the headline race.
Turnbull expressed doubt on whether Maher might halt proceedings or persist in honing the endurance runner's approach to competition.
"We always wanted to get to this stage before having to think about that," Turnbull said.
"We are in a really good position now."
Neindorf lifted himself in the irons post-finish line, stating the triumph surpassed even his two Group 1 wins from South Australia in personal importance.
"This might sound outrageous, but it probably means more to me winning one of these than any of my Group 1's," Neindorf said.
"Just for the simple fact when I first came over as an apprentice, I lived in Mornington and then when I went back (to Adelaide) I had to build myself from the ground up and it felt like I was trying to build a skyscraper.
"I've come back a second time and based myself in Mornington again and this is now more so home than home in Adelaide.
"It means a lot to win this Cup today."
Visit top online bookmakers to explore racing odds for the upcoming Caulfield Cup featuring Kings Valley.
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