Kyvalley Hotspur set for extended stay in NZ

Kyvalley Hotspur (Muscle Hill) is set to do much of his harness racing in 2024 across the Tasman as trainer Brent Lilley and owner Jim Connelly look for opportunities abroad with the in-form squaregaiter.

The last-start Bendigo Trotters Cup winner will arrive in New Zealand on Wednesday before tackling Friday’s Group 2 ANZAC Cup at Alexandra Park.

This will serve as a lead-in to a showdown with Aussie champion Just Believe in the Group 1 Rowe Cup on May 24.

“He loves the standing starts and long-distance races,” Lilley said.

“We know we’re not going to beat Just Believe in the Rowe Cup, but if he steps like he can and bowls along he’ll earn some money.

“He’s probably got more show of earning money in the next six months over here back in New Zealand with short-distance mobiles and things like that.

“The plan at this stage is that he’ll have a spell after the Rowe Cup and stay over this side.”

The major targets following a break could include the 3200m Group 1 Dominion Trot during November, with Lilley expecting little Australian interest in the race given how close it falls to the Inter Dominion carnival in New South Wales.

Regular driver Chris Alford won’t drive Kyvalley Hotspur in his two-start campaign during April, with master Kiwi horseman Tony Herlihy to take the reins.

The son of Muscle Hill has gate two for Friday’s ANZAC Cup where he takes on the likes of Muscle Mountain and Oscar Bonavena.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Tim O’Connor, for HRV