The Ciaron Maher team has been searching for an ideal chance to test Kings Valley at a longer distance once more.
That chance arises in the Listed Mornington Cup (2400m) this Saturday.
Kings Valley started as first emergency when fields were released on Wednesday, but gained entry into the 14-horse lineup after Plymouth’s withdrawal.
National Assistant Trainer Jack Turnbull from the Maher stable noted that Kings Valley’s early settling behaviour will dictate his outcome.
Having claimed victory in the Bairnsdale Cup (1600m) last month, Kings Valley ended ninth last time out 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.”
A previous victor at Sandown over 2100m, this marks Kings Valley’s second attempt at 2400m following a fifth-place finish from six starters at Caulfield last October.
After that effort, Kings Valley was promptly rested and has returned in strong condition.
“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.”
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