Injuries have restricted Le Val’s career but trainer Noel Doyle confident he can make up for lost time starting with the Group Three George Moore Stakes at Doomben.
After Saturday’s $300,000 race, Le Val’s plans include the Goldmarket Handicap on Boxing Day as a lead-up to the $1 million Magic Millions Cup (1400m) on January 9.
But his $208,000 prize money from 13 starts including four wins, falls short of guaranteeing him a start in the Magic Millions Cup.
Le Val won the Listed Ken Russell Memorial at his second start but fractured his pelvis at his next run when last in the Group Two BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes and has had a series of problems since.
Doyle has faith in Le Val to win a top race but is well aware of the task ahead to make the Millions field.
“If everyone who says they are being aimed for the Millions Cup is coming, I think you could want $350,000 plus to get into the field,” Doyle said.
“We aren’t the only ones in that boat as a lot of local horses will be chasing prize money to boost their chances of a start.”
Le Val was eighth at his first start back from a let-up but Doyle said he had excuses.
“He was a bit tardy out of the barriers and got shuffled back. He made up many lengths in the straight on a day where the front runners were usually the ones advantaged,” Doyle said.
Le Val’s last-start jockey Michael Cahill will ride topweight Temple Of Boom in the George Moore and Doyle has booked in-form apprentice Beau Appo,.
“I will tell Beau to try to get Le Val out more sharply on Saturday so he can take a closer position in the run,” Doyle said.
Le Val is raced by Doyle’s long time clients, the Anderson family, and he will also saddle Nilette and St Remy for them in the Listed Mode Plate.
“It is a step up in class for both fillies but they are racing well enough to be given a chance,” Doyle said.
