Racing
Kings Valley out for a first for Maher
Ciaron Maher thinks Kings Valley will be in for a good preparation following his last start win at Bairnsdale.
Ciaron Maher has yet to register an Easter Cup success but is hoping to rectify that with Kings Valley at Caulfield.
Kings Valley will be third-up into Saturday's 2000m Group 3 handicap and is coming off a last start win in the Bairnsdale Cup.
The Bairnsdale Cup may not be one of the best form references for a Stakes race assault, but it was an important victory for Kings Valley as Maher looks to keep the gelding in a winning vein of form.
Kings Valley started his career in the UK and came to Australia as a maiden galloper and it took until start number eight, and his fourth in Australia, to finally get a win on the board, a 1800m maiden at Horsham.
It was the start of a successful run of form with wins coming at Caulfield Heath, Sandown and Randwick where he lowered the colours of Birdman.
Maher had expectations of bigger things during the spring, but he could not find winning form again despite placings at Moonee Valley and Caulfield and it wasn't until the Bairnsdale Cup on March 22 that he tasted success again.
"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."
Declan Bates takes over from Thomas Stockdale in the saddle on Saturday.
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