Persistence was its own reward for trainer Rod Craig when Circle Of Power claimed an overdue win at Rosehill on Saturday.
The Edmen Group Handicap (1500m) was the third career victory for Circle Of Power from 24 starts which have also netted 10 minor placings.
The gelding has had a tendency to go hard in his races but Chris O’Brien managed to get him to settle off the speed and he came with a strong run late to stave off Planetarium by three-quarters of a length.
“It seems as if he goes around every Saturday and is like a five or six-year-old even though he’s only three,” Craig said.
“He is a very honest horse and we thought a lot of him as a two-year-old and he raced against the good horses.
“We have always tried to ride him back a bit but he’s such a long horse he hasn’t come out of the barriers well.
“Now they have a barrier extension, an extra one and a half feet, which helps him settle when he’s in there.
“He will keep racing over the next few weeks because of the BOBS bonuses. He’s picked up an extra $20,000 today.”
Circle Of Power was bred by former TAB chairman Ross Cribb who retained a share in the gelding.
He is out of Quest For Success who was trained by Craig to multiple city wins.
The mare has been a good producer for the stable with Velocity Gal and Circle Of Fame also winners for the Warwick Farm-based Craig.
“She has been an excellent mare and the next one along is a Stratum yearling,” Craig said.
“They are no champions but they keep on winning races.”
AAP TURF
