Kyvalley Ray adds to impressive feature win list

Kyvalley Ray (Bold Eagle) completely dominated tonight’s $100,000 G1 Breckon Farms Northern Trotting Derby at Alexandra Park.

The SBSR trotter led for most of the trip and in the hands of harness racing driver Blair Orange came away to win easily by eleven lengths

“I just didn’t want to get too involved (early) and wanted him to find his feet. Tony (Kairo) and Johnny (Petite Amour) came early, but I knew the front would be there. To his credit he put them away down the back. He still doesn’t corner that good so down the back I really wanted to run a strong furlong so I could let him get around the corner before we went again,” Orange said.

Kyvalley Ray was bred by Oamaru trainer Phil Williamson and is out of Kenny’s Dream. The gelding’s older brother Tarragindi the winner of five, is back at the trials tomorrow.

“From his two year old season to now he’s really matured a lot and is getting the all-round game. He’s still not there yet but he really loved the 2700,” Orange said.

Trained in Victoria by Brent Lilley, Kyvalley Ray has been in New Zealand since September and has won over $300,000 including two Group One features.

“He still doesn’t look 100% happy this way, but he’s still a big baby really. On raw ability he’s great,” Lilley said.

The Victorian Derby will be the horse’s next target before he heads back to New Zealand for trotting features over Cup week.

KYVALLEY RAY REPLAY

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink