Spirit Of Valor could make Valley return

Trainer Ciaron Maher is happy with new stable acquisition Spirit Of Valor ahead of his return.

Imported sprinter Spirit Of Valor could make his first appearance for his new trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace in the Listed Carlyon Stakes at The Valley.

Spirit Of Valor is the highest-rated horse among the 12 nominations for Saturday’s 1000m-race in which Maher and Eustace have have also entered Bons Away.

Spirit Of Valor raced three times in Melbourne last spring when in the care of champion Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien, including finishing a close second in the Group One Manikato Stakes (1200m) at The Valley.

“We know he likes Moonee Valley,” Maher said after the horse worked at the course on Tuesday morning.

“He has got good form here at the Valley, being Group One-placed.

“It’s taken a little while just to iron him out but he seems in pretty good order now.

“The 1000 metres is probably a fraction short for him but he’ll either kick off this week in that race or The Heath next week at Caulfield.

“But I’m happy with the way he has come to hand.”

The Group Three The Heath on Saturday week is over 1100m.

Maher said Spirit Of Valor’s work over 800m on Tuesday was pretty sharp.

Bons Away stayed home at Caulfield to work on Tuesday morning and Maher is thrilled with the way the gelding is preparing for his first-up run.

“He’s going great,” Maher said.

“He just seems to keep improving each preparation.”