Caulfield’s upcoming Easter Cup has eluded Ciaron Maher so far, though he plans to alter that record with Kings Valley contesting the race.

Third-up for the 2000m Group 3 handicap on Saturday, Kings Valley arrives on the back of claiming the Bairnsdale Cup last time out.

Not the ideal Black-Type form line perhaps, the Bairnsdale Cup nonetheless delivered a crucial boost to Kings Valley, helping Maher nurture the gelding’s ongoing winning pattern.

Having raced initially in Britain, Kings Valley crossed to Australia unraced victoriously, enduring until his eighth start—fourth Australian appearance—for a first win in Horsham’s 1800m maiden.

Success followed swiftly at Caulfield Heath, Sandown, and Randwick, the latter seeing him topple Birdman.

Spring brought lofty expectations from Maher, but form dipped post-placings at Moonee Valley and Caulfield until revival via the Bairnsdale Cup on March 22.

“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.”

Thomas Stockdale hands the reins to Declan Bates for Kings Valley on Saturday.

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