Ciaron Maher’s yard has sought the appropriate occasion to campaign Kings Valley at greater range anew.
The Listed Mornington Cup (2400m) on Saturday provides precisely that occasion.
He was first on the standby list after Wednesday’s draw but entered the 14-strong contest courtesy of Plymouth’s scratchings.
According to Jack Turnbull, National Assistant Trainer with Maher, the gelding’s initial race positioning will decide his fate.
Last month he captured the Bairnsdale Cup (1600m) and came home ninth fresh in the Group 3 Easter Cup (2000m) at Caulfield on April 4.
“We thought his run was good,” Turnbull said.
“We had to go back from the gate and the way the track was playing it made it difficult and tricky, but the work he put in, we were very pleased with how he went.
“The thing is this week, we’re up in trip from that 2000 (metres) to the 2400 (metres) and the question mark will be whether he relaxes.
“He can be fierce, but he’s not a slow horse. He’s got a very good turn of foot, so we’ve got to work him down a bit into the run.
“I think if he stays on, and relaxes, he’s a good chance as this is his future.”
Prior Sandown success at 2100m under his belt, Kings Valley now tackles 2400m for the second occasion after fifth from six at Caulfield in October.
Post-run, he was spelled without delay and has reappeared in excellent nick.
“I think he’s got the profile, he’s got the page, and everything else to get 2400 (metres), but it has been a matter of when,” Turnbull said.
“Arguably we could have waited and gone to another benchmark race, but it’s a Caulfield Cup qualifier, a rich race and it gives us a chance.
“We’ve drawn a good gate to smother him up and I think he can run a forward race for us.”
Check out premier sports betting options and betting markets for the race ahead of the Mornington Cup.