Le Val has surprised punters but not trainer Noel Doyle with victory in the Ken Russell Classic at the Gold Coast at his first start in blinkers.
Le Val ($13) overhauled Londehero ($10) in the final 100 metres to win drawing away by 1-1/4 lengths with Diamond Oasis ($5) a short head away third.
After Le Val finished second at his first start at Eagle Farm on April 1, Doyle decided to freshen him up and aim him at the Classic.
“I thought he was a bit unlucky when he had his first start and if he was concentrating properly he might have won,” he said.
“That’s why I put the blinkers on him and when I saw this race on the calendar I thought it would be ideal for him.”
Le Val was Doyle’s second win in the 1200m Listed race following Palidamah who was successful in 2001.
The race is named in honour of popular Queensland jockey Ken Russell who died from injuries suffered in a fall at Rosehill 20 years ago.
“It means a lot to me to win this race that’s name after Kenny because we had a lot of luck together,” he said.
“Ken won a lot of races on good horses like Beau Zephyr and Don’t Play and it’s a race I’ve always wanted to win because of our connection.”
Jockey Ric McMahon was impressed by the strength Le Val showed in the final 200 metres.
“He relaxed really well and travelled up super coming to the home turn,” McMahon said.
“I was able to track Glen Colless on Londehero into the straight and he hit the line strongly.
“The way he finished off the race is a good sign for the future.”
Missy Longstocking ($3.80 fav) missed the placings for the first time in her career but jockey Damian Browne was still pleased with her effort to finish fourth.
“It was always our plan to go back and ride her conservatively because of the outside barrier,” Browne said.
“She was held up behind slow horses at a vital stage but when she got into the clear at the 300 metres I thought she hit the line nicely.”
AAP TUR
