Melbourne Cup favourite Circle Of Fire kicked off his spring campaign with a jumpout at Cranbourne on Monday morning. The Ciaron Maher-trained import, ridden by John Allen, finished last in the opening heat on a rain-affected track.
Assistant trainer Jack Turnbull expressed satisfaction with Circle Of Fire’s performance, emphasising the focus was on wind and action rather than the placing. “First use of the ground over 800m, he was never going to get close to them. It wasn’t about that; it was more about wind and action,” Turnbull said. “I thought he showed good endeavour, Johnny was very happy with him post-trial, he was very clean in the wind and recovered very quickly.”
Circle Of Fire is expected to participate in a second jumpout in about a fortnight, potentially over 1200m. His return to racing is likely at the end of August, with the Heatherlie Stakes at Caulfield on August 31 being a possible starting point. The son of Almanzor was the winner of the G1 Sydney Cup in his most recent run.
Turnbull noted improvements in Circle Of Fire’s physical condition and action. “He had a few niggly feet issues when he first came over and his general action has improved,” he said. Having been in both Sydney and Victoria, the horse has adjusted well to the different environments.
Online bookmakers currently have Circle Of Fire at $11 with betting apps for the Melbourne Cup. “It’s hard to say if he’s improved, I think physically, he’s better off,” Turnbull added. “A little bit longer in our system, he’s been up in Sydney, back down to Victoria, where he’s been before. He is better off and naturally he should improve again.”
